Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits. Tuesday, 4 May 2004

Dáil Eireann Debate Vol. 584 No. 5 Page of 174

  272.  Mr. Durkan      asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs      the reason rent supplement was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if account will be taken of the current rent of €650 per month of which €470.00 must be paid by the person who is finding it increasingly difficult to do so. [12621/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan):    Rent supplement is subject to a means test. Therefore, any change in the level of household income may affect the amount payable.

The South Western Area Health Board was contacted about the case. It advised that the rent supplement paid up to February was based on household income that comprised of disability benefit and maintenance payments. Recently the person concerned was awarded the one-parent family payment. Accordingly, her rent supplement was reviewed to take account of the increase in household income. She now receives the one-parent family payment, half personal rate disability benefit and maintenance payments.

The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum amount of rent supplement payable having regard to her circumstances.

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Last Updated: 04/11/2010 14:47:20

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