Rent allowance..how it works?

saraaa · 08-03-2010 6:49pm #1

Ive been living in rented accomadation with my flat mate since the start of december, we both began claiming social welfare at around the same time, and decided to get a flat together to ease the burden of paying rent.

We would both like to apply for rent allowance when it comes to the 6month mark. Just wondering does anyone have info on how it works with 2 people applying for the one flat? Or whether or not i should apply before we're here 6months, just to get it in early? Or whether or not it is backdated? Any info would be much appreciated

Thank You.

shoegirl · 10-03-2010 8:35pm

I am assuming your previous rent was above the threshold, otherwise it does not make sense?

No, its not backdated. The point of rent allowance is to enable peple with a previous history of renting to continue to live in their existing accomodation. If 2 people apply you are both considered to be sharers and so will get the allowance for sharing which is about 70-90 depending on where you are mnus the personal contribution. That is about 24 euro a week and the point of that is so you pay something towards it. Its paid in arrears also, I think monthly.

So basically if the rent is 150 pm, your rent is 75 each so the allowance from the gov will be 51 euros each. If your rent is above the threshold for your area it will be automatically turned down.

Rent allowance..how it works?

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