rent allowance info onnewly single mum splitting up with partner

hi there,

I am new to this website and am looking for info on splitting up with partner of 5 years. we have a 2 year old child. I have been unemployed for over 6 months now and partner is on disability benefit for over 6 months now too. We had to apply for rent allowance when he had to claim disability. We get rent allowance for 550 on our house for E1000. Before this we have worked and rented in Dublin for years. I need to find out if when I claim for single parent allowance can i get rent allowance independently to allow me to move out and get my own place with my child or can he go and get it for his own place. also if so does this take long? all help and advice greatly appreciated. i will call to rent allowance contact but would just like to get feedback on this to see where I stand, unfortunately i think lots of peoples lives have been affected in ways like this in this recession.thanks

The information leaflet on Rent Supplement can be found at the end of the following web page:

[broken link removed]

If you follow the link on the page to the Dept of Social Protection website, you can get information on the maximum rent limits that will apply to your family size and location.

As you have been renting for over 6 months, you may have an entitlement. Bear in mind that while you may be allowed to continue renting your current property, the maximum rent limit for one adult and one child is €930 per month in Dublin and lower than that in other counties so you will probably have to renegotiate the rent in order to qualify. You may have been granted the Rent Supplement for the high rent because of the joint incomes.

Your partner would be unlikely to get Rent Supplement for your current address for that amount of rent - he would have to get somewhere cheaper before being eligible. As he's been renting for over 6 months, he may qualify.

You should both apply to go onto the local authority housing list.

thanks

thanks a million for all the great advice, its really appreciated. sorry just getting back now, all the best.