SWA Rent Allowance

Sir Oxman

Can someone tell me the exact qualifying criteria for RA for someone in tehse circumstances:

Single
Made redundant
Claiming JSB (claim not through yet)
In private rented accom for past 11 years, for past 20 months in current place
Could afford accom at start of tenancy
Has to move to cheaper accom - has found a place within max limits
Has yet to move in
Not on housing list

I've read all the info on govt sites but still I am reading from people on boards that are told by their CWO that they must be on housing list even though they fulfill the rented accom for more than six months previous qualifier

I have yet to see the CWO in the area I am moving to so would like some informed experience from here
There seems to be some confusion and it seems like CWOs are a law unto themselves (no disrespect, but rules are rules)

I know I will find this out when I make my appt this week, but forwarned is forearmed

Thanks for any advice/practical experience

edellc

You sound like you should qualify for it....i was in similar situation at beginning of this year ended up finding a cheaper place and had to move in got RA form got letting agent to sign them and brought them round to CWO wasnt on housing list at time am now CWO came round looked at place and signed forms (however certain things about my claim do differ from yours not going into it) but i do think it depends on the CWO themselves
why dont you print off housing list forms and and start that process so your CWO can see that your bad luck is a recent thing and that you are trying to fulfil all criteria required

Sir Oxman

Thanks edellc.

Can you clarify one thing, were you on the housing list before you got granted RA or did the CWO accept your application on the previous rented accom rule?

I'm afraid that the housing list thing will add to months more delays for me!

Cheers.

edellc

gambiaman wrote: »

Thanks edellc.

Can you clarify one thing, were you on the housing list before you got granted RA or did the CWO accept your application on the previous rented accom rule?

I'm afraid that the housing list thing will add to months more delays for me!

Cheers.

i wasnt on housing list before getting rent allowance and i dont see how the housing list will add months delay all you need is the form, photocopy of your passport, lease, birth cert, proof of what your getting from social welfare, get the social welfare to stamp form and tax office and head into civic office to hand it all in it took me two days to get everything done so i dont see how it takes months???
oh and i am only getting RA since march so dont know when new rules came in

snubbleste

Based on information given OP, you should qualify for rent supplement. It is a means-tested payment, so make sure you satisfy the savings and no property rule. New maximum limits for rent supplement are in effect since last friday on welfare.ie

The council housing list application takes months to process by the staff because of the volume of applications.

edellc

snubbleste wrote: »

The council housing list application takes months to process by the staff because of the volume of applications.

it takes 5 months but once you have your receipt then its fine and also if you qualify for jsa or jsb and RA then there will be no problem with your council housing appliciation

Sir Oxman

edellc wrote: »

it takes 5 months but once you have your receipt then its fine and also if you qualify for jsa or jsb and RA then there will be no problem with your council housing appliciation

See that's the bit that's confusing - it's like what comes first the chicken or the egg!;)
Do you have to be accepted on housing list first to get RA but then maybe you won't be accepted for RA cos you're not on the housing list.
I have the six month rule thing and JSB/no property thing boxed off

Anyways, thanks for info I'll find out this week how this particular CWO applies the rules.