Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020
55. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for persons on the Covid-19 rent supplement payment post 30 August 2020; and if an assurance will be given that no claimant will have their payment withdrawn in cases in which the consequence of the withdrawal would be to force them into rent arrears. [19012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 20,600 recipients.
The scheme provides short-term income 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. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, and due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
The overarching Covid-19 response by rent supplement is to provide a flexible case-by-case driven solution for customers, providing temporary income support during the emergency for their housing costs. My Department’s response to this emergency, ensuring that the inherent flexibility of the rent supplement is available in the context of the Government’s continued response to the Covid emergency, and remains under review. I can assure the Deputy that Rent Supplement will continue to support eligible customers under the standard rules of the scheme following the eventual withdrawal of Covid related measures. Community Welfare Service staff who administer the rent supplement scheme also have a statutory discretionary power to award or increase a supplement for rental purposes, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy.
With respect to rent arrears, where a person is finding it difficult to meet their rent commitments, in particular due to loss of employment, they are advised to contact their local Community Welfare Officer for assistance. This can include the provision of Rent Supplement and/or the use of Exceptional Needs Payments addressing the customer's particular needs.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
