Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
537. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if carer’s allowance payments will be removed from the income assessment for social housing applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Means Policy already provides that carers allowance shall be disregarded by local authorities when assessing income eligibility for social housing.
Applications 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. The 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 the Household Means Policy.
The policy defines income as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. It provides for a range of mandatory income disregards, including carers allowance. Local authorities may also disregard temporary, short-term or once-off income which is outside the regular pattern of a person's annual income.
