Rent supplements spike in pandemic

There has been a spike in the number of rent supplement claims awarded since COVID-19 restrictions came into place.

Since March 13 last, under the revised COVID-19 rent supplement scheme, 130 cases in Co Cavan are receiving support and 210 in Co Monaghan.

Rent supplement is means-tested payment, demand-led scheme and is available as a short-term income support to those in the private rented sector.

In view of the difficulties created for many who have lost income at this time, including persons medically advised to self-isolate and those in casual or self-employment, the department is using the full flexibility of the scheme to provide the necessary support.

The scheme is currently supporting approximately 19,200 recipients nationally.

For the period April 18 – May 6, some 3,300 claims are currently either in payment (1,800 tenancies awarded) or under consideration/pending a decision (1,400 cases pending).

The figures were obtained by Sinn Féin Deputy Pauline Tully on foot of a parliamentary question tabled to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.