The Abhaile Scheme is to be extended until the end of 2023 to support families in mortgage arrears. Over 19,300 households at risk of losing their home have been supported to date.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, says the rising cost of living was a "key factor" in reaching the decision She pointed out that the prospect of loosing one's home is "deeply traumatic".
Minister Humphreys added the Scheme is often the first point of contact for distressed mortgage holders and provides successful solutions for people. "I know from my days working in the credit union, the stress placed on families who find themselves struggling to meet their mortgage repayments.
"The prospect of losing your home can be a deeply traumatic experience for the entire household. Given the current cost of living pressures people are under, I felt it was only right to keep the Abhaile Scheme in place until at least the end of 2023.
"This is a scheme that has a track record of helping families that fall into difficulty. In fact, over 19,300 households at risk of losing their homes have been supported since the scheme was established in 2016.
"I know that the decision to extend Abhaile until the end of 2023 will enable it to reach those who have not yet engaged and those who may be at risk," she said.
