DV victims receive rent supplement

Half a dozen victims of domestic violence in Cavan have received rent supplement in addition to the range of other supports since a new fast track approval system was introduced in August 2020 during lockdown.

Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-funded service providers.

The standard rent supplement means test does not apply to applicants fleeing domestic abuse for an initial three-month period. After three months, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment.

After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment, a social housing support provided by local authorities.

Nationally there are 38 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under the scheme, with 226 cases supported since August 2020. There have been no refusals to date.

According to the Department for Social Protection, there have been two beneficiaries to date in Leitrim, six in Longford, one in Meath and four in Monaghan.