Rent Allowance: how are these claims processed and the likelihood of us qualifying?

My partner and I just moved into an apartment in Cork.

We are both currently claiming jobseekers benefit.

Our rent is €900 per month.

I was told by the local community welfare officer that normally the limit for rent allowance with a couple in the same residence is €750.

We are expecting a baby and have applied for housing. In the meantime our only option is obviously rental but it's unlikely that we'll be able to afford our rent of €900 a month without rent allowance.

Finding suitable rented accomadation for a couple expecting a baby for under €750 per month is impossible in my opinion.

Can anybody shed any light on how these claims are processed and the likelihood of us qualifying for rent allowance?

Also if this helps, a friend of mine is paying the same rent (€450 a month) in the same apartment complex as us and is receiving rent allowance of €90 a per week.

However, he is claiming as a single person.

Thanks in advance,
Brendan.

Re: Rent Allowance

There is a set amount of rent allowance allowed to the Community Welfare Officer for single people, couples, one parent families of one , two, three children or more.

However, one of the ways to prove there is no accomodation at the amounts the cwo's are saying is to download a list from Daft.ie or similiar websites showing lettings and the amounts charged. Depending on the cwo, sometimes it works and sometimes not.

However, don't forget you can appeal this decision but it must be done within 21 days. Or firstly you could appeal it to the cwo supervisor but you must make a good case for yourself.

Firstly to show that you are in need of housing (a roof over your head) and secondly it is worthwhile doing out a budget showing your total income (with proof) coming into the house and all expenditure.

This budget should show amounts for weekly ESB, Gas/Oil, food, toiletries, transpost while seeking employment, Ntl/sky, cleaning materials, medical expenses (if no medical card, however, medical card does not cover all medical needs, ie cough bottles, first aid stuff, etc) clothes, arrears on ESB/Gas.

Its worth a try. good luck with this.

Re: Rent Allowance

Hi. Thanks for taking the time to tell me all that. It's a great help. Cheers!

Re: Rent Allowance

The maximum rent limits are set by the Dept of Social and Family Affairs, and the SW legislation states that the HSE should not pay Rent Supplement if the rent being charged exceeds the limit for your family size & county (the exact wording is quoted in another thread here).

The max rent limit may increase when the baby arrives (I don't have the figures to hand, but if I recall, the limit for 2 adults + 1 child is usually larger than for 2 adults). If the limit for 2 adults + 1 child is €900 you may be able to make an appeal to stay where you are based on the fact that the baby is due.

Re: Rent Allowance

Ok thanks for your help. Do you know is there anywhere online where I could find those figures?