Press release
Access to Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence to continue to the end of 2021– Minister Humphreys
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, has announced that victims of domestic violence can continue to access Rent Supplement on referral by Tusla or by Tusla-funded service providers until the end of 2021.
The protocol to assist victims of domestic violence was established between the Department of Social Protection and Tusla last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While it was initially due to expire this week, the Minister has approved that the protocol be extended until the end of December.
Minister Humphreys confirmed that where an application is made, Rent Supplement can be provided for an initial three month period and the usual means test does not apply. The applicant is only required to pay a minimum contribution towards their rent, regardless of their means, for this period.
After the first three months have passed, provision is made for a further three month extension of Rent Supplement with a means-test.
Rent support is provided under this protocol to allow victims of domestic violence to resolve their immediate housing difficulties, and where necessary, to engage with their local authority in relation to a longer-term housing solution.
Minister Humphreys commented:
“I am pleased to extend the availability of my Department’s Rent Supplement for victims of domestic violence until the end of 2021.
“Domestic violence can be a silent and terrifying ordeal for many people, and especially so during the current Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions. There is never an excuse for domestic violence, no matter what the circumstances are.
“As Minister for Social Protection, I am determined to ensure my Department supports victims of domestic violence in seeking safer accommodation and I am pleased to extend the protocol that we have in place until the end of the year.”
The initial protocol between the Department of Social Protection and Tusla was for a period of six months from August 2020. In the period since August 2020, 49 victims of domestic violence have been referred by domestic violence service providers and have been supported by the Department in getting access to Rent Supplement. In light of the success of the initiative and the fact that the effects of the pandemic are ongoing, Minister Humphreys has approved an extension of the current arrangements until the end of this year.