Limerick

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Housing Support

Guidance on assistance with housing options, rent supplements, and council housing services in Limerick.

Sections

1. Categories of Housing Support in Limerick

A. Social Housing

Social housing is provided by Limerick City and County Council or approved housing bodies (AHBs) to individuals and families who cannot afford private rental housing.

  • What it is: Long-term housing provided at a subsidized rent.
  • Who provides it: Limerick City and County Council or non-profit housing associations.

B. Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

HAP is a form of rental assistance for people who qualify for social housing support but wish to live in private rented accommodation.

  • What it is: The council pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest.
  • Who provides it: Administered by Limerick City and County Council.

C. Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)

RAS is for people who have been receiving Rent Supplement for an extended period and need long-term housing.

  • What it is: The council arranges housing with private landlords or housing associations.
  • Who provides it: Limerick City and County Council.

D. Emergency Accommodation

For individuals or families experiencing homelessness, emergency accommodation is available.

  • What it is: Temporary housing in hostels, shelters, or other facilities.
  • Who provides it: Managed by the council in partnership with local charities and organizations.

E. Rent Supplement

Rent Supplement is a short-term income support for people in private rented accommodation who cannot afford their rent.

  • What it is: A payment to help cover rent costs for those not eligible for HAP or RAS.
  • Who provides it: Administered by the Department of Social Protection.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for housing support depends on your income, housing need, and residency status. Below are the general criteria:

A. Social Housing Eligibility

  • You must be unable to provide housing from your own resources.
  • Your household income must fall below the social housing income limits for Limerick (โ‚ฌ35,000 for a single person, higher for families).
  • You must have a legal right to reside in Ireland.
  • You must demonstrate a housing need (e.g., homelessness, overcrowding, unaffordable rent).

B. HAP Eligibility

  • You must qualify for social housing support.
  • You must find a private rental property that meets the HAP rent limits for Limerick (e.g., โ‚ฌ900/month for a single person, higher for families).

C. RAS Eligibility

  • You must have been receiving Rent Supplement for at least 18 months.
  • You must have a long-term housing need.

D. Rent Supplement Eligibility

  • You must have a low income and be unable to meet your rent costs.
  • You must not already qualify for HAP or RAS.

E. Emergency Accommodation

  • You must be homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.
  • You must contact the councilโ€™s Homeless Action Team (HAT) for assessment.

3. Costs Associated with Housing Support

  • Social Housing Rent: Rent is calculated based on your household income under the Differential Rent Scheme. Typically, it is a percentage of your income (e.g., 15%โ€“20%).
  • HAP Contribution: You pay a weekly rent contribution to the council, which is also based on your income.
  • RAS Rent: Similar to HAP, you pay a contribution based on your income.
  • Emergency Accommodation: Costs are generally covered by the council, but you may need to contribute if you have an income.

4. Application Procedures

A. Social Housing

  1. Obtain the Application Form: Download the form from the Limerick City and County Council website or collect it from their offices.
  2. Complete the Form: Provide details about your household, income, and housing need.
  3. Submit the Form: Return the completed form to the council offices along with supporting documents (e.g., proof of income, ID, proof of residency).
  4. Assessment: The council will assess your application and place you on the housing list if eligible.

B. HAP

  1. Qualify for Social Housing: You must first be approved for social housing support.
  2. Find a Property: Locate a private rental property within the HAP rent limits.
  3. Apply for HAP: Submit a HAP application form to the council, including your tenancy agreement and landlordโ€™s tax details.
  4. Approval: Once approved, the council will pay the landlord directly.

C. RAS

  1. Contact the Council: If youโ€™ve been on Rent Supplement for 18+ months, the council will assess your eligibility for RAS.
  2. Housing Arrangement: The council will arrange housing with a landlord or housing association.

D. Rent Supplement

  1. Apply Through the Department of Social Protection: Submit an application form along with proof of income, tenancy agreement, and other required documents.
  2. Approval: If approved, youโ€™ll receive a payment to help cover your rent.

E. Emergency Accommodation

  1. Contact the Homeless Action Team (HAT): Call or visit the council offices to speak with HAT.
  2. Assessment: HAT will assess your situation and provide temporary accommodation if needed.

5. Local Considerations and Resources in Limerick

A. Local Housing Resources

  • Limerick City and County Council Housing Department: The main point of contact for all housing support services. Visit their offices at Merchantโ€™s Quay, Limerick, or call them at +353 61 556000.
  • Homeless Action Team (HAT): Provides support for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Contact them at +353 61 556000 or visit the council offices.
  • Threshold: A national housing charity that provides advice and advocacy for tenants. Call their helpline at 1800 454 454.
  • Novas: A Limerick-based organization offering housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness. Visit their website at www.novas.ie or call +353 61 370325.

B. Local Rent Limits for HAP

  • Single person: โ‚ฌ900/month
  • Couple: โ‚ฌ1,200/month
  • Family (2 adults, 2 children): โ‚ฌ1,500/month (Note: These limits are subject to change, so confirm with the council.)

C. Availability of Housing

Limerick has a high demand for housing, so it may take time to secure social housing or find a private rental property within HAP limits. Be proactive in searching for properties and stay in regular contact with the council.

D. Language and Integration Support

If youโ€™re new to Ireland, organizations like Doras (a migrant support group based in Limerick) can help with housing advice, language classes, and integration support. Visit www.doras.org or call +353 61 310328.

6. Tips for Navigating Housing Support in Limerick

  • Act Early: Apply for housing support as soon as you identify a need, as waiting lists can be long.
  • Keep Documentation Ready: Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as proof of income, ID, and tenancy agreements.
  • Engage with Local Charities: Groups like Novas and Doras can provide additional support and advocacy.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the Limerick City and County Council website for updates on housing policies and rent limits.

By following the steps and utilizing the resources outlined above, you can navigate the housing support system in Limerick effectively. If you need further assistance, donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to the relevant local authorities or support organizations.