Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment for certain people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. Rent Supplement is a short-term income support. By virtue of its short-term nature and its targeted customer cohort, it is not considered the principal solution in meeting long term accommodation needs. Where a person is not eligible for the Rent Supplement scheme, they are referred to their local housing authority to have their housing needs assessed and, if successful, will be placed on the housing list.
The Government recognised the challenges of rising prices last October in Budget 2022 when we brought in a package of tax and social welfare measures worth over €1 billion. Last month, the Government agreed a further package of €505 million, including the €200 energy credit and a lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of the fuel allowance. This month the Government brought in a further tax measure, to immediately reduce the cost of fuels for families and businesses.
The Working Family Payment is an in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. It is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment. In Budget 2022 I provided for a €10 weekly increase in the Working Family Payment income limits for families of all sizes. I am pleased that this measure will now come into effect from April 2022 as part of the Government's response to cost of living increases.
As part of Budget 2022, I increased the rates for a qualified child aged under 12 by €2 to €40 per week, and for a qualified child aged 12 or older by €3 to €48 per week, from January. I also increased the level of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by €10 to €160 for each child aged 4 to 11 years and to €285 for each child aged 12 and over. I also equalised the income limits for one and two parent households, thereby making it easier for lone parents to qualify for that payment.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
