MOVES HAVE BEEN made to “ease the burden” on young people on social welfare, with Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar cutting the personal contribution that they have to make to their rent supplement.
He announced today that the new measure, which is being brought in as part of Budget 2017, will represent a saving of up to €20 a week, or €80 a month, for anyone under the age of 26 who is claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance, and who is receiving rent supplement.
“This measure will help to ease the rental burden on young people on welfare,” commented Varadkar.
Under the previous arrangement, a very significant portion of their income was going on rent. My department has set aside €500,000 per annum to cover the cost and I’m very pleased to bring in this measure as part of Budget 2017.
He noted that this move has also been sought by organisations working with homeless people.
“It’s expected to help young people to transition from homeless services and into rented accommodation,” Minister Varadkar said.
He explained that young individuals or couples claiming Jobseekers or receiving Social Welfare Assistance previously had to contribute up to €40 a week to their rent supplement tenancy.
A report from the Simon Community in October said that just 20% of rental properties are in reach of those on rent supplement.
Rent supplement was increased in June. Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and Minister Varadkar said at the time that the rise in the new limits would mean people who cannot afford the full rent in private accommodation will get more help from the State.
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