Q.  I am separated from my partner. Our two children come and stay with me one night a week. I am getting Rent Supplement and I’d like to rent a larger apartment to accommodate them. Can I qualify for a higher Rent Supplement payment?

09.05.12

When you apply for Rent Supplement the Department of Social Protection must be satisfied that the apartment or house is reasonably suited to your residential and other needs. In general, if parents have joint custody of a child, the needs of both parents to have adequate accommodation to look after the child are taken into account when assessing an application for RS. Joint custody generally means that children spend an equal amount of time with each parent. If this is the case the Department will usually look for documentation showing that a joint custody arrangement is in place and in operation before a decision can be made.

If you do not have joint custody but have access to your children for a certain amount of time each week then the Department will examine your case with regard to all of the circumstances. It may be the case that they will decide that you have a housing need but that your children are adequately housed with their primary carer. However you should always discuss your situation with the Social Welfare Officer (formerly Community Welfare Officer). If you are not happy with the decision made in your case you can appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office www.socialwelfareappeals.ie .

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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