Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2020
106. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities can accept a payment of illness benefit on a housing support application when assessing a person's qualification for social housing support. [35680/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. With the exception of specific payments as outlined in the Household Means Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, is assessable.
