Social welfare officer refusing to allow rental over number of bedrooms

meoklmrk91

I found a house that's perfect for me, in the right area, under the rent threshold but my local social welfare officer is refusing to give me RA for it because it has too many bedrooms for a single person. It's hard to find houses where I live and in fairness the vast majority are three bedroom houses. Why does it matter if it is under the rent threshold and meets my needs?

mp22

Rent Supplement will only be provided if the accommodation is suitable for your needs
From here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html

At a guess they are using the suitable for your needs clause.Ask them for the decision in writing.

meoklmrk91

mp22 wrote: »

Rent Supplement will only be provided if the accommodation is suitable for your needs
From here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html

At a guess they are using the suitable for your needs clause.Ask them for the decision in writing.

What should I do when I get it in writing? Sorry this is my first time around the block.

mp22

Once you have there answer in writing you can appeal the decision. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_welfare_appeals.html

The appeals process can take some time so don't expect a quick reply from them.


All of the above won't help you with somewhere to live so in the mean while see if you can find somewhere that the CWO is happy with.

meoklmrk91

mp22 wrote: »

Once you have there answer in writing you can appeal the decision. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_welfare_appeals.html

The appeals process can take some time so don't expect a quick reply from them.


All of the above won't help you with somewhere to live so in the mean while see if you can find somewhere that the CWO is happy with.

Thats the plan, would prefer just to get somewhere and settle now.