asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline his recent changes in the guidelines for the operation of section 209 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981 which refers to the payment of mortgage subsidies of recipients of social welfare.
Written Answers. - Rent/Mortgage Subsidy Payments.
17.
Assistance towards the cost of rent or mortgage interest payments can be made by way of an additional payment of supplementary welfare allowance under section 209 of the 1981 Act and regulations made under that section. The guidelines are designed to assist health boards in determining whether a supplement should be paid and the amount to be paid, having regard to the level of the rent, the reasonable accommodation needs of the applicant and his family, the income of the household and other circumstances.
The guidelines have now been revised in the light of the experience of operating the scheme. The issues dealt with in the previous guidelines are covered in more detail and a number of additional issues are addressed. In relation to mortgage supplementation in particular the guidelines cover the determination of the amount to be reckoned as interest payments, the question of arrangements with the building society or other institution involved and other circumstances to be taken into account in determining whether, and for how long, a supplement should be paid.
Discussions are at present being held with the health boards on the content and operation of the revised guidelines. Matters raised in this process will be considered when the consultations are finalised and any action appropriate will be taken at that stage. I also intend that an information leaflet for the public on rent and mortgage supplementation will be issued at that stage.