Supplementary Welfare Allowance independent under 25

Mikefitzs

Asking for a relative.

How does a person under 25 living independently renting a room claim for SWA at max rate if injured and unable to work. He's not entitled to Illness benefit as he hasn't been working long enough yet to meet that criteria. Has to pay rent €90/week but only entitled to €112 on SWA. Seems it says he would get it if he was getting HAP or other rent allowance. This seems completely unfair on a person working and paying their way but now in need of support. They can't give up their room and move home as then they won't be able to return to work when recovered because they'll have lost their place to live. If he gives up the room and returns home then he'll be a further burden on the state as he'll need job seekers allowance until he can get another job. WTF is wrong with this country and why is it so difficult for those that want to pay their way to face so many obstacles.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058215972/supplementary-welfare-allowance-independent-under-25

Means testing for under 25"s is quite complex and I understand we're your coming from .

HAP Entitlement is a separate issue but I'm presuming your relative is either lodging ,paying part of over all rent or not the Named tenant for the purposes of claiming HAP.

I'm unsure why your relative is not on JSA but regardless even if they were, the means test rules still apply, this said they do need to question why they are not being assessed as living independently. The Reduced payment rate, I understood was based on a person under 25 living at home and their Parents income is used to determine means. As your relative is not living at home, this needs to be addressed with SW.

I'd at a minimum get your relative to talk to either a CWO or SW directly but they'll likely be required to show proof of living independently, paying rent etc. Their means may then be reassessed but I stress May.

Others may have further advice.