HAP (rent supplement scheme) conditions

Cunning Stunt

Hi all,
posting for my sister. She has been on the social housing list for a number of years now. She is currently renting and in receipt of rent supplement.
She recently enquired as to the status of her housing application, and was told that she could avail of the new rent supplement scheme which is called HAP (housing assistance payment), which would help lower her monthly rent outgoings - however, the social welfare advisor told her that it would mean that she would have to come off of the social housing list.

What we don't understand is why she should give up her place on the social housing list, to avail of the HAP? Is this just another government scheme to move people from one list to another, and make it look like less people are waiting to be housed?

As I understand it (from what I have read) the HAP is still based on a private contract between the tenant and the landlord, so she could be told that her rental accommodation is gone from under her in the morning, if the Landlord decided to sell, for example..

Can anyone confirm that she does need to come off of the social housing list, if she avails of the HAP?

Thanks in advance


Thanks

mp22

Your housing needs will have been met under HAP and you will no longer be on the local authority’s housing waiting list. However, if you wish to have access to other social housing supports, such as local authority housing or housing provided by a housing association, you can apply to the local authority for a transfer.

From here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/housing_assistance_payment.html