- Social Housing Support Application Form 2023 can be submitted at your nearest local authority office or by post. Contact details below.
- Only fully completed applications with all supporting documentation will be accepted for processing. Please ensure to read the “checklist for applicants” carefully on the application form to ensure all relevant documentation is submitted. Please do not send in original documents.
- Applications submitted with missing or incomplete information will cause a delay in their processing or may be returned.
- In addition, a HMD Form 1 Disability and Medical Information Form must be completed for anyone who is applying for social housing due to a disability or on medical grounds. The information provided will be used to assess if priority status should be awarded to an application. Please note, an Occupational Therapist Report must be submitted in respect of a specific accommodation requirement.
| Number of persons | Maximum net income |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | €35,000 |
| 2 Adults No Children | €36,750 |
| 1 Adult 1 Child | €35,875 |
| 1 Adult 2 Children | €36,750 |
| 2 Adults 1 Child | €37,625 |
| 2 Adults 2 Children | €38,500 |
| 2 Adults 3 Children | €39,375 |
| 2 Adults 4 or more Children | €40,250 |
| 3 Adults 4 or more Children | €42,000 |
The rules for the assessment are set out in national legislation and in Westmeath County Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme – Adopted June 2022
Housing assistance payment (HAP)
HAP is a form of housing support provided by local authorities and replaces the previous Rent Supplement Assistance provided by Social Welfare. The tenancy remains a private agreement between the tenant and their landlords.
HAP recipients will be responsible for finding their own accommodation in the private rented market.
Under the HAP scheme, payments will be made to landlords on behalf of the HAP recipient, subject to rent limits. The amounts below are the rent limits applicable to the County of Westmeath.
| Local Authority | 1 adult in shared accommodation | Couple in shared accommodation | 1 adult Couple | Couple or 1 adult with 1 child | Couple or 1 adult with 2 children | Couple or 1 adult with 3 children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €220 | €240 | €450 | €470 | €600 | €625 | €650 |
When a rent is higher than the maximum rent contribution that Westmeath County Council will pay, the balance to be paid is a matter between landlord and tenant.
Tenants are required to keep up to date with their rent until official sign up is complete. Where a person is deemed eligible for HAP, a payment will be made directly to their landlord by the local authority on the last Wednesday of each month in arrears.
HAP tenants must stay in the property for a minimum of two years. After that tenants may apply for a transfer under HAP. If a tenant moves without prior approval from Westmeath County Council, they may receive no further assistance for a period of 12 months.
Contact Details
- Westmeath County Council
- Civic Offices
- Church Street
- Athlone
- Co. Westmeath
- N37 P2T5
- Tel: 044 93 32119 Email: hap@westmeathcoco.ie
