HAP Tenant Payments

Your local authority will make a monthly HAP payment directly to your landlord, on the last Wednesday of each month. HAP Payments are based on the number of people in a household and the rental market in the locality.

Local authorities have limited flexibility to go above HAP rent limits in some cases. Where monthly rent agreed with your landlord exceeds the maximum HAP rate payable by your local authority, you must pay the difference directly to your landlord. However, local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and cannot provide HAP support where a household is not able to meet the rental costs being sought.

The weekly rent contribution you pay to your local authority is based on your household’s income. It is calculated in the same way as the rent paid by a tenant of a local authority owned property. This must be paid in order to remain eligible for HAP.

You can get further information on the limits that apply to your household from your local authority.

If you would like to add someone to support you when communicating with HAP in relation to your account, please click here: “Communication Support Form” and email to hapcollections@limerick.ie

Under HAP, the local authority will not pay a deposit to your landlord. You will be responsible for paying the deposit yourself.

Supports are available under the Additional Needs Payment scheme, provided by the Department of Social Protection, to help those who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. You can apply under the scheme for help with paying a rent deposit. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether they are receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. The Department of Social Protection will take into account your weekly household income, your savings and investments, your household expenses and the level of help you need.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for an Additional Needs Payment is online at MyWelfare.ie. Alternatively, you can submit an application form (SWA1 form) together with relevant supporting documentation to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. You can find more information on the Additional Needs Payment at gov.ie/anp