Rent Allowance Increase July 2016

Rent Allowance Increase  :

Rent Allowance – (also Known as Rent Supplement) is paid in Ireland to people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. There are currently approximately 55,000 tenants getting rent  allowance  – which costs the state over €267 million a year.

Every county in Ireland has a maximum rent limit, within which Rent Supplement can be paid.  New , higher levels of the maximum rents that can be used to assess Rent Allowance came into force on Friday July 1st 2016.

The government say that this increase is needed to match the increases in rent that have happened since 2013.

The old 2013 rent caps can be seen here.

Details of the Rent Allowance Increase from July 1st 2106

Monthly Maximum Rent Payable Under Rent Allowance / Supplement Scheme (Non Shared Housing)  From July 2016

There are different figures for people in shared accommodation – the figures above are for people who don’t share a home with other non family members.

These increased levels also apply to the HAP – or Housing Assistance Payment

You can see the rent allowance maximum levels prior to June 2013 Here

These increases range from a a 25% average increase in Laois and Roscommon; a 21% average increase in Leitrim, Cork City, Longford, and Galway City; a 29% average increase in Dublin (outside of Fingal); a 19% average increase in Westmeath, Kildare, and Louth; and a 15% average increase in Cavan and Donegal.

We understand that the new limits will automatically apply to all new claims processed after the 1st July  If you are currently getting Rent Supplement there is no automatic increase to your rate of Rent Supplement (as you are currently signed up to a tenancy agreement with your landlord). The new rent limits will apply when your existing lease expires or when your claim is reviewed. You can request a review of your Rent Supplement claim by contacting the office dealing with your claim.