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Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2012

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Ceisteanna (118)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

118 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection in a case in which a county council proposes to enter into a long-term leasing agreement with a couple in major mortgage arrears, who are in receipt of farm assist, if the income, which is paid to the bank directly in respect of the mortgage, while the couple have to find alternative accommodation, will be treated as income for social welfare purposes; in view of the fact that if it is, this prevents the couple from accessing social welfare payments, leaving them destitute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21043/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In assessing means for farm assist and other social assistance payments, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of property and capital, apart from the family home.

Where a person in receipt of farm assist vacates a family home and goes to live in another property, the yearly value of the former family home is assessable for means test purposes.

In assessing the yearly value of that property, no account is taken of any rental income from the property including any rental income derived from a local authority. For assessment purposes, the market value of the property less the amount of any outstanding mortgages is assessed. The balance, if any, is assessed by reference to a formula.

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