Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
283. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection if payments of rent allowance are backdated from the date of award to the date of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53020/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are currently approximately 80,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €403 million for 2013.
Customers who establish an entitlement to rent supplement by satisfying the conditions of the scheme will receive payment from the date of application. There is also provision for the backdating of the claim for a period up to six months before the date of application where specific circumstances apply.
