Q.  I hear that changes are being made to Rent Supplement. What are they?

05.07.10

On 10 June 2010, the Department of Social Protection announced new maximum rent limits for Rent Supplement. These new limits will apply to all new claims for Rent Supplement, they will not apply to existing claims until they are being reviewed.
Rent Supplement is paid to people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. The amount you receive depends on where you live in the country, your personal circumstances and what type of accommodation you have.

In general, you will qualify for Rent Supplement if your only income is a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment and you satisfy the other conditions. You are not eligible if you work full time (over 30 hours a week). You are only entitled to Rent Supplement if you have been an existing tenant for at least six months or have been assessed in the last 12 months by a local authority as being eligible for and in need of social housing.

You apply to the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) at your local health centre. The CWO will decide if you are eligible for Rent Supplement and calculate the amount you will get. You must pay at least €24 towards your rent. You may have to pay more than €24 if you have additional assessable means above the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate (for example, €196 per week for a single claimant with no dependents).

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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