How HAP works differently for single parents
Your HAP rent limit is based on your household size — the more people in your household, the higher the limit. As a single parent with children, your limit is higher than for a single person living alone.
Benefits that apply to single parents applying for HAP
Higher rent limits based on family size
HAP rent limits increase with each additional household member. A single parent with two children has a significantly higher limit than a single adult. Check your council's specific limits for your county and family size.
Child Benefit is not counted as income
Child Benefit is excluded from the means test entirely. It doesn't count as household income and won't increase your rent contribution. Same goes for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
One-Parent Family Payment IS counted
Your One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) counts as income for the means test. Declare it in full. Trying to leave it out is the most common mistake single parents make — and it causes rejections.
Children's income is not counted
Any income your children have — from part-time work, for example — is not included in the household means test. Only adult household members' income counts.
What income to declare
As a single parent, declare the following on your HAP application:
✓ Declare these
One-Parent Family Payment, wages from employment, maintenance payments received from the other parent, any other social welfare payments, self-employment income.
✗ Do not include these
Child Benefit, Back to School Clothing Allowance, Domiciliary Care Allowance, income of your children, Fuel Allowance.
Related HAP guides
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