applying for HAP

kodaline78

hi All. I am a single man in my early forties who is living in private rented accommodation. My rent is 150 euro per week. Up to a few months ago I had no problem paying this from my own resources as i was working. However I am now unemployed and receiving Job seekers Benefit. I am really struggling to pay the rent and unless my situation improves I will have to leave the accommodation. I am currently filling out HAP form and will drop it in to the council shortly. I am aware it can take up to 12 weeks for my application to be processed and that is only the beginning of the journey. Yesterday I visited the Citizens Information Centre and was told about the Supplementary Welfare Rent Allowance and was given the form. He indicated that it was for people who have short term rental difficulties. When I went to my local welfare office today I was told that this form can some times take as long as the HAP Form to be processed. Any advice on my predicament would be appreciated or anyone who has experience of the process involved. Thanks