James Lawless
Question:410. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a matter concerning the rent-a-room scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21588/23]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
410. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a matter concerning the rent-a-room scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21588/23]
View answerIn May 2022, I announced a series of measures designed to remove barriers facing social welfare customers who choose to accommodate people in their homes.
In practice, this means that a social welfare customer will be able to rent out a room in their home to a person who is not an employee or an immediate family member, for up to just under €270 per week (equivalent of €14,000 over a year), and will not see their social welfare payment impacted, including the Household Benefits Package or Living Alone Allowance.
While the Rent-A-Room means disregard applies to Fuel Allowance applicants who rent out a room in their own home, the Fuel Allowance household composition criteria have not been changed and existing rules still apply to all household members including those renting a room within the property for which the rental income is disregarded.
Therefore, Fuel Allowance will only be payable if the person renting a room is in receipt of a qualifying or disregarded Social Protection payment in their own right.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.