Up To €15,000 Yearly For Victims Of Domestic Violence In New Rent Subsidy

The Housing Authority has introduced a new rent subsidy scheme aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence who are undergoing separation proceedings and urgently need safe alternative accommodation.

The government will provide monthly assistance ranging from €850 for single individuals to €1,300 for applicants with dependants, including children.

This level of support can amount to between €10,000 and €15,600 per year for each eligible family, making it one of the most significant rent support measures available to vulnerable groups.

To ensure the scheme reaches those who most need it, applications must be submitted by FSWS social workers following a detailed case assessment.

Applicants will then be evaluated using a points based system built around six criteria. This structure is intended to guarantee that the subsidy is reserved for those in genuinely vulnerable situations who must relocate to escape domestic violence.

The scheme targets individuals who are in separation proceedings and therefore often do not qualify for other social housing schemes, despite their precarious circumstances.

Minister Roderick Galdes confirmed that one million euro has been allocated for the first year of implementation and stressed that the subsidies are higher than those available through standard housing benefit programmes.

“We must consider the dignity of the victims and, even more importantly, the children who are exposed to this environment, said Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg explained that the main aim of the scheme is to provide support to victims of domestic violence who are in the process of separation and, due to the circumstances of their case, need to find alternative accommodation but do not have the financial means to do so.

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