Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
721. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the non-payment of rent support in June and July 2018 in the case of a person (details supplied); if payment will be reinstated at an early date and arrears paid with particular reference to the likelihood of the person becoming homeless in the absence of further assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37145/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of rent supplement is to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, where they are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
The person concerned was in receipt of rent supplement from 01/11/06 to 31/5/18 at the monthly rate of €669.98, with a total of €10,7301 paid to date. On 01/06/18, written notification of a claim review was issued to the person concerned. The person concerned was advised that her claim was suspended and may be closed if she failed to return the requested documents within 14 days of the date of the letter. On 17/7/18, the claim was closed as the person concerned failed to make contact with the rents unit or to supply any of the requested documents in support of her claim. Written notification of claim closure issued to the person concerned along with a new application pack should the person concerned wish to make another claim.
The person concerned has now completed the SWARS1 dated 28/7/18 and returned all documentation requested. The person concerned is now in receipt of rent supplement at a monthly rate of €410.25 following a means assessment of all household income. Payment for July and August 2018 was issued to the person concerned on 30/8/2018. There was no application for June 2018.
If the person concerned wishes to pursue an application for rent supplement for June 2018, she should complete a SWARS1 for arrears and an explanation for the late application. This form has been issued to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
