Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
886 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, who has been in rented accommodation for the past three years and is seeking assistance; and if the matter will be expedited. [33748/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement in May 2009 as the local housing authority deemed that he had "not demonstrated a long-term housing need." The person concerned did not provide evidence to the community welfare office that he has been in private rented accommodation for three years prior to the date of claim. The person concerned appealed the decision to refuse rent supplement to an Appeals Officer of the Executive who has upheld the decision of the Executive. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the HSE Appeals Officer, it is open to him to appeal further to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and to provide documentary evidence that he has been renting in the private sector.
887 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33755/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that the person concerned has made an application for rent supplement and she has been asked to provide further documentary evidence regarding her financial position.
Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different types of eligible household to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household. The person concerned has been advised to seek accommodation within the relevant prescribed maximum rent limits.
