Written Answers Nos. 44-52
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if basic supplementary welfare payment may be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2039/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn emergency needs payment issued to the person concerned on the 13th January 2015.
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding mortgage support in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2041/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of Mortgage Interest Supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
The Mortgage Interest Supplement of the person referred to was reviewed in December 2014 and it was found that the interest payment amount had decreased and therefore the Mortgage Interest Supplement was reduced accordingly.
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if increase in rent allowance will be provided for in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2042/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not, to date, received an application for Rent Supplement from the client concerned. The client should forward an application to be assessed for entitlement to the Mid-Leinster Rent Unit, PO Box 11758, Dublin 24.
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, on instructions from her Department to encourage the landlord to reduce the rent charged, has now been told to vacate the property along with their child, aged seven; if any consideration can be given by way of offering a solution in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2045/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe client concerned is in receipt of their full entitlement to Rent Supplement based on their monthly rent, weekly income and family composition. There is no record of the Department having any contact with this client regarding their on-going entitlement to Rent Supplement.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if bereavement grant or exceptional needs payment is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2067/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of Mortgage Interest Supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
The Mortgage Interest Supplement of the person referred to was reviewed in December 2014 and it was found that the interest payment amount had decreased and therefore the Mortgage Interest Supplement was reduced accordingly.
50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if rent support can be continued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare while awaiting decision from the local authority in respect of RAS housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2068/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is standard practice, the Department will continue to pay Rent Supplement for a further 13 weeks where a RAS application is pending. The client's Rent Supplement will continue to issue at current rate until 31st March 2015.
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the severe hardship suffered by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if in such circumstances priority might be given to their housing situation and payment of any arrears that might be owing to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2069/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the previous response to the Deputy regarding her case the person concerned contacted the nominated Intreo Centre on 22nd December 2014 to make an application for one parent family payment. On examination of her circumstances it was established that she did not meet the eligibility criteria for this scheme under current legislation, and was advised that it would be more appropriate for her to apply for a jobseeker’s allowance transition payment. This scheme is specifically designed to meet the needs of persons re-engaging with the work force who have previously been in receipt of one parent family payment.
An initial appointment was arranged for the person concerned for 12th January 2015 which she attended. However, as she did not have the required documentation on her possession to proceed with her claim a further appointment has been arranged for 29th January 2015. In the meantime the person concerned is continuing to receive supplementary welfare allowance in respect of herself and her child from the Department while this matter is being progressed.
