Social Housing Supports (HAP & RAS)

Social Housing Supports

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) are schemes to help people, who are on the social housing waiting list, to secure private rented accommodation. Anyone who would like to get the HAP scheme must find their own property from the private rental sector. Local authorities are not responsible for finding HAP properties for social housing applicants.

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Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

What it is:

HAP, or Housing Assistance Payment, is a government scheme aimed at helping families and individuals renting homes in the private sector.

The scheme helps with the financial difficulties that some people may experience in affording private rental properties. It ensures that housing remains accessible for those with limited financial means.

Who it’s for:

HAP is designed for low-income households who find it difficult to cover all of their rent in the private market.

To qualify for HAP, a household must be qualified for social housing support by their local authority, which means the household must qualify to go on the local authority housing waiting list.

How it works:

The HAP scheme sets up a direct financial arrangement between the government, the tenant, and the landlord. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • Government Contribution: Under HAP, your local authority will make a monthly HAP payment directly to your landlord.
  • Tenant Responsibility: As a participant in the HAP program, you must pay a part of the rent, which is decided based on your income and financial situation. This contribution ensures your active involvement in meeting the costs of your housing.
  • Affordability: By putting together the government’s financial assistance with your contribution, HAP makes private rental housing more affordable for people with a lower income. This connection between the government and the tenant creates a longer term and supportive housing arrangement.

More information on HAP

Please see an Easy to Read guide on HAP.

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Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)

What it is:

It is a government scheme aimed at supporting individuals and families who are in receipt of Rent Supplement for a long period of time.   

Under the RAS scheme, private rented properties provide an additional source of good quality rental accommodation for eligible persons.

Who it’s for:


If you have been in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or longer you may be eligible for RAS.

You should contact your local authority to find out.

How it works:

The RAS scheme sets up a direct financial arrangement between the government, the tenant, and the landlord. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • Government Contribution: Under RAS, your local authority will pay an agreed monthly rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
  • Tenant Responsibility: The tenant pays the local authority a weekly rent based on their income.

More information on RAS

Renting a home

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