‘There was no warning… it’s beyond disheartening’ – Dublin teacher loses rent supplement allowance after wage increases by 55c an hour
A Dublin-based teacher said his rent has gone up by €660 after he was “abruptly” taken off the rent supplement allowance.
“As an English language teacher, I only get paid for 27 hours a week,” said Tom Maher (35) who lives in north county Dublin.
“After I was asked to send in my updated salary, I got an email in February this year saying I have not been renewed for the payment because my salary exceeds the rent being paid.
“This is hard to believe and came without any warning. My income is basically the same – it’s only gone up by 55 cents per hour.”
The rent supplement allowance is a payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for people living in rented homes who cannot cover their rent using their own income.
The weekly minimum contribution starts from €30 for a single adult household and €40 for coupled households
Mr Maher has been receiving a payment of €165 a week for close to 16 months since 2024. After the payment stopped, he now pays an additional €660 to cover his total rent of €1450.
“I moved in here with my ex-girlfriend back in May 2023 – rent has remained the same since then – and we could manage it between the both of us,” he said.
“Then we broke up, and I had to take out a mini loan to pay rent while I figured out what to do, the alternative would have been to move back into my family home.
“I was advised to apply for the rent supplement scheme and thankfully, it got approved.”
Mr Maher has now appealed the decision and expects to hear back within the next 20 weeks – in the meantime, he has been trying to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) from Dublin City Council.
“There was no warning, it was very abrupt – how much I have to pay has nearly doubled and the absolute bare minimum could have been a two months warning where I could have figured out what to do next,” he said.
“I already live very frugally, I don’t go out on nights out or have a social life. I feel like I’m a bright guy, I’ve got a master’s degree – I could have interviewed for sales or tech jobs like my friends have but I followed my own path.”
A spokesperson from the DSP said to the Irish Independent that longer term housing support is the responsibility of local authorities.
News in 90 seconds - Tuesday, April 14
“Responsibility for those with a long-term housing need rests with local authorities – where longer term support is required the person transitions on to the HAP,” they said.
“As a matter of natural justice, recipients of rent supplement will be notified of any changes to entitlement and be given an opportunity to respond in the case of a decision to disallow or reduce a payment.
“Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for rent supplement are advised to apply to their local authority for a Housing Needs Assessment. Eligibility for social housing, including the HAP, will be assessed by their local authority.”
Fine Gael councillor Eoghan Dockrell said people like Tom who might have small changes in their income should be given an “off ramp” to access other schemes.
“This has happened because his income went up very marginally,” said Mr Dockrell.
“However, I think the issue here is that people availing of rent supplement should be giving an 'off ramp' allowing them time to access alternative schemes to help them pay their rent; not have their supplement cut without warning,”
While he awaits a decision, Mr Maher has contemplated moving countries or changing careers to be able to afford rent in Dublin.
“It’s beyond disheartening.It’s like this city you grew up in your whole life is trying to spit you out or forcing you to become a software developer just to keep my head above water,” he said.
“Not everyone should have to work for Google to get by. I contribute to this society – a lot of my students are recent arrivals, refugees and people who benefit from learning English. I do what I do with a lot of sincerity.
“I don’t think I’d be able to buy a place in the immediate future, and if I’m forced out of here, my best option will be a dingy box room somewhere that I’m not even likely to get. I’ve been thinking if I should just immigrate – I might be better off somewhere else.”