A Dublin-based English language teacher has spoken of his frustration after losing his rent supplement following a marginal pay increase, leaving him facing a sharp rise in monthly housing costs.
Tom Maher (35), who lives in north county Dublin, said his rent burden has surged by €660 after his weekly rent supplement payment of €165 was discontinued earlier this year. The decision followed a review of his income, which had increased by just 55 cent per hour.
“There was no warning. It was very abrupt,” he said. “My income is basically the same – it’s only gone up by 55 cents an hour.”
Maher, who works 27 hours a week, explained that he had been relying on the supplement since 2024 after a change in his personal circumstances left him solely responsible for rent of €1,450 per month.
“I moved in here with my ex-partner in 2023 and we managed the rent together,” he said. “When we broke up, I had to take out a loan just to keep up with payments. Applying for rent supplement was a lifeline at the time.”
The rent supplement scheme, administered by the Department of Social Protection, is designed to support individuals in private rented accommodation who cannot meet housing costs from their own income. Payments vary, with minimum weekly rates starting at €30 for single individuals.
Following a reassessment of his earnings, Maher was informed in February that he no longer qualified for the support. He has since appealed the decision, though he expects the process to take up to 20 weeks. In the meantime, he is exploring alternative assistance through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme.
“The least they could have done was give me a couple of months’ notice so I could prepare,” he said. “Now my rent has effectively doubled overnight.”
A spokesperson for the Department said that individuals with longer-term housing needs are typically transitioned to supports provided by local authorities, such as HAP. They added that recipients are generally notified of changes to their entitlement and given an opportunity to respond before payments are altered or stopped.
Maher’s situation has drawn criticism from local representatives, who argue that the system lacks flexibility for those experiencing only minor income changes.
One Dublin councillor said individuals in such circumstances should be given a transitional period to move onto alternative supports.
“When someone’s income increases only slightly, there should be an off-ramp rather than a sudden cut,” the councillor said.
Maher said the financial strain has forced him to reconsider his future in Dublin, including the possibility of emigrating or changing careers.
“It’s beyond disheartening,” he said. “It feels like the city is pushing you out unless you’re earning a high salary.”
Despite holding a master’s degree, he said he has chosen to remain in teaching out of commitment to his students, many of whom are new arrivals to Ireland.
“I contribute to society in a meaningful way,” he said. “Not everyone should have to work in tech just to survive.”
As he awaits the outcome of his appeal, Maher fears his housing options may become increasingly limited.
“I don’t see myself being able to buy a home any time soon,” he said. “If I have to leave here, I’ll be looking at substandard accommodation — if I can find anything at all.”
