Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
426. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to extending recent changes to the consideration of child maintenance as means for social welfare payments to the housing assistance payment, given the recognition that one parent families are at a higher risk of poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to be eligible for the Housing Assistance Payment, a household must first qualify for social housing support and be placed on a housing list. 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 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 Policy, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. However, with the exception of the specific payments listed in the Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, and maintenance payments received is assessable. There is no provision in the policy to deduct any other regular outgoings, such as maintenance paid in respect of family members, from gross household income for the purposes of the income threshold.
My Department is currently in the process of reviewing assessable and non assessable income under the Policy in order to ensure it continues to be appropriate.
