Housing Assistance Payment

What is the Housing Assistance Payment?

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support. HAP will replace Rent Supplement for those with a long term housing need. Short term rent supplement will continue to be managed by the Department of Social Protection.

Am I eligible to apply?

Persons applying for HAP must be a qualified housing applicant(s) before they can apply for HAP. All applicants for HAP in Galway City must have an open and up to date social housing application with Galway City Council.

Current rent supplement recipients who qualify for social housing support will be transferred from rent supplement to HAP on a phased basis.

Click here for information on applying for council housing.

How does it work?

If you are eligible as an approved housing applicant, you must find your own private rented accommodation within specific rent caps. The Local Authority will pay the landlord directly and the tenant will pay a rent to the local authority based on the differential rent scheme. The rent will be based on your weekly household income and works in a similar way to the differential rents charged for local authority houses.

See the attached Tenant & Landlord documents below for more detailed information.

HAP Application forms for eligible applicants can be collected in person at City Hall and can also be requested by phone on 091 536400 or email to hap@galwaycity.ie. Applicants may also apply online at https://www.hap.ie/apply/

HAP Tenants

Once approved for HAP, tenants should inform the HAP unit of any changes in rent, income or family circumstances.

Notices of rent increase and Notices of Termination must be validated by Threshold. Threshold can be contacted at advicegalway@threshold.ie or 1800 454 454