Press Release March 2010
Trying to hold on to the roof over their head is an area of increasing concern for those visiting the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Citizens Information offices around the country. Recent data provided by MABS indicates that the number of mortgage arrears cases has increased by 57 percent between 2008 and 2009. Responding to this situation the Citizens Information Board has developed keepingyourhome.ie
keepingyourhome.ie provides helpful information for people having difficulty paying their mortgage or rent. It outlines social welfare payments, tax reliefs, and legal proceedings, including the processes involved in home repossession.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D. officially launched keepingyourhome.ie, today, at Dublin Castle, while attending the MABS National Conference. "This new website is a valuable source of information for people who are experiencing difficulty paying their rent or making mortgage repayments. It includes information on a wide variety of topics including social welfare payments, tax reliefs and legal processes including issues around home repossession. The information is laid out in an easy to access manner with comprehensive advice from MABS on mortgage arrears and links to further advice from the Financial Regulator. There are also links to relevant information leaflets and details of how to contact your local Citizens Information Centre, MABS and Community Welfare Officer. Having this information in one readily accessible place will greatly assist people and provide them with the vital information they need at a challenging time in their lives."
keepingyourhome.ie has been visited by more than 3,500 users since it went live earlier this year. The most read documents include 'how to access help with paying a mortgage' and 'home repossession'. It is based on the successful model of losingyourjob.ie, developed by the Citizens Information Board, which has recently received a Taoiseach's Public Service Excellence Award 2010.
Tony McQuinn, Chief Executive of the Citizens Information Board said the site was part of an ongoing response to the needs of citizens. "Growing numbers of people are contacting Citizens Information and MABS concerned about what will happen if they run into mortgage or rent arrears. In response to this demand for information we have developed keepingyourhome.ie and we would encourage people to log on and see what supports are available and seek help from the MABS 1890 283 438 helpline."
Pictured from left: Graham Long, CIB, Annmarie O'Connor, Business Manager MABS NDL, Tony McQuinn, Chief Executive CIB, Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D.
