Rent Supplement for DV victims to continue

While it was initially due to expire last week, the Minister approved that the protocol be extended until the end of December.

Victims of Domestic Violence will continue to access Rent Supplement up to the end of 2021.

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, announced last week that victims can continue to access the support on referral by Tusla or by Tusla-funded service providers. The protocol to assist victims of domestic violence was established between the Department of Social Protection and Tusla last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While it was initially due to expire last week, the Minister approved that the protocol be extended until the end of December.

Minister Humphreys confirmed that where an application is made, Rent Supplement can be provided for an initial three month period and the usual means test does not apply. The applicant is only required to pay a minimum contribution towards their rent, regardless of their means, for this period.

After the first three months have passed, provision is made for a further three month extension of Rent Supplement without a means-test.

Rent support is provided under this protocol to allow victims of domestic violence to resolve their immediate housing difficulties, and where necessary, to engage with their local authority in relation to a longer-term housing solution.

“I am pleased to extend the availability of my Department’s Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence until the end of 2021,” said Minister Humphreys.

“Domestic violence can be a silent and terrifying ordeal for many people, and especially so during the current Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions. There is never an excuse for domestic violence, no matter what the circumstances are.

“As Minister for Social Protection, I am determined to ensure my Department supports victims of domestic violence in seeking safer accommodation and I am pleased to extend the protocol that we have in place until the end of the year.”