Housing Supports - Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

There are two main Housing Supports:

• Rent Supplement

• Housing Assistance Payment

What Is Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)?

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. The scheme is administered by the local authorities, who pay the landlords directly. HAP is for those with a long term housing need. It is there to replace Rent Supplement as a long term payment

What Are The General Rules For HAP?

• You must be on the Local Authority Housing list

• You cannot transfer from RAS

• You must find your own accommodation

• You will not be a Local Authority tenant

• Rent must be within HAP limits (this is decided by each local authority, in the meantime they are using the rent supplement limits)

• Your HAP payment will be the same as the differential rent rates for your area

• You must pay your contribution to the local authority weekly

• If you receive a social welfare payment in the Post Office you must pay your contribution through the Household Budget system

• Accommodation must meet minimum standards

• You cannot engage in anti social behaviour

• Landlord must have a tax clearance certificate

When You Get Onto HAP?

There are a few things to consider:

• Accommodation will be inspected within 8 months

• Landlords tax clearance certificate must be provided within 5 months

• You will be removed from the housing list

• You can apply for other forms of social housing (time spent on housing list may apply for qualifying criteria if you apply within 2 weeks)

• You are expected to stay in your HAP accommodation for a minimum of two years (exceptional circumstances will be considered if you wish to move before the 2 years is up)