If you rent privately in Ireland and your income is low, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) can cover most of your rent — paid straight to your landlord — while you pay a small weekly contribution based on what you earn. It has replaced Rent Supplement for most people with a long-term housing need, and crucially, you can keep it when you work.
Quick facts
- What
- Long-term rent support for private renters on a low income
- Who
- People assessed as needing social housing support
- You pay
- A small weekly contribution based on your income
- Where
- Your local authority (council)
How HAP works
- You find your own private rented home (within the HAP rent limits for your area and household size).
- The local authority pays your rent directly to your landlord each month.
- You pay the council a weekly HAP contribution, worked out from your income — the same "differential rent" basis as other social housing.
Who qualifies
- You must be on the local authority's list of those qualified for social housing support.
- Your household income must be within the limits for your area, and the rent must be within (or close to) the HAP limits for your household size.
- Your landlord must be tax-compliant and the property must meet minimum standards.
How to apply
Apply for social housing support
Apply to your local authority to be assessed as qualified for social housing — this is the gateway to HAP.
Find a tenancy within the limits
Look for a private rental within the HAP rent limits for your area and household size.
Submit the HAP application
Complete the HAP application form (your section and the landlord's section) and return it with the documents requested.
Payments start
Once approved, the council pays your landlord and you start paying your weekly contribution.
Common questions
Can I work while getting HAP?
Can a landlord refuse to take HAP?
What if the rent is above the HAP limit?
Can my rent increase while I'm on HAP?
How is my contribution worked out?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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