Emergency financial assistance in Ireland

In Ireland, an unexpected bill or a sudden drop in income does not have to be met with a loan. The Department of Social Protection runs payments specifically for urgent and exceptional needs, local charities such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul respond to thousands of requests each year, and the free Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) can help you get back on top of your budget. This page explains how each one works and where to start.

It focuses on help you do not have to repay. For borrowing options, including credit unions and the rules on moneylenders, see our guide to loans and social credit in Ireland.

Additional Needs Payment from the Department of Social Protection

The Additional Needs Payment is the main source of one-off emergency help. It is part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme and is decided by a Community Welfare Officer, based at your local Intreo centre or community welfare office. You do not have to be on a social welfare payment to apply: people in low-paid work can also qualify if they cannot meet an essential cost from their own resources.

What it can cover

• an exceptional need, such as replacing an essential household item, bedding, a cooker or a washing machine, or funeral costs;
• an urgent need after an emergency such as a fire or flood;
• help with an electricity or gas bill you cannot pay;
• costs of setting up a home after leaving care, prison, homelessness or a violent relationship.

Each application is assessed on its own circumstances. The officer will look at your income, essential outgoings and whether the need could reasonably have been foreseen. If you are refused, you can ask for a review and then appeal.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance and other weekly support

If you have no income at all while waiting for a claim to be decided, the basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance can be paid in the meantime. Ask about it straight away at your Intreo centre rather than going without.

Check, too, that you are receiving every weekly payment and support you are entitled to. Depending on your situation, these can include the Working Family Payment for low-paid families with children, the One-Parent Family Payment, the Fuel Allowance during the heating season, the Household Benefits Package for electricity or gas, and the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in summer. Citizens Information offices give free, confidential guidance on eligibility and help with forms.

Housing emergencies and rent

If you rent and receive the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or Rent Supplement, contact your local authority as soon as a problem arises, such as a rent increase you cannot meet or arrears building up. Rent Supplement can sometimes be paid to people facing a sudden change in circumstances. For a tenancy dispute or a notice of termination, Threshold provides free advice to tenants.

If you are at immediate risk of homelessness, contact your local authority's homeless services the same day. Our page on eviction prevention support describes what to do when a notice arrives.

Society of St Vincent de Paul and other charities

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is the largest voluntary organisation helping households in financial difficulty in Ireland. Volunteers usually visit you at home, listen to your situation and may help with food, fuel, energy bills, school costs or essential items. They can also help you approach the Community Welfare Officer or MABS.

Other sources of help include local food banks and community food programmes, the Society's shops for low-cost clothing and furniture, family resource centres, and parish or community groups. Some energy suppliers have hardship funds or will refer customers to support. If you are behind with energy bills, contact your supplier early: arrears can often be spread over an affordable payment plan, and you may be registered as a vulnerable customer.

MABS: free money advice

MABS is a free, confidential and independent service funded by the State. A money adviser can draw up a realistic budget with you, contact creditors on your behalf, set up affordable repayment arrangements and explain your options if debts have become unmanageable. MABS can also tell you about the Household Budget scheme, run through An Post, which lets people on certain social welfare payments have regular bills deducted at source so essentials are covered first.

If you are in arrears on a mortgage, the Abhaile scheme provides free financial and legal advice through MABS. See also our page on debt hardship assistance.

Steps to take when you cannot cover an essential cost

1. Contact your Community Welfare Officer through Intreo and ask about an Additional Needs Payment.
2. Call or visit Citizens Information to check every payment you may be missing.
3. Ask SVP or a local charity for a home visit if the need is urgent.
4. Talk to your energy supplier, landlord or local authority before arrears grow.
5. Book a free MABS appointment if you already have debts.
6. Consider borrowing only after these steps, and only from a credit union or a regulated lender.

Documents to have ready

• your PPS number and photo ID;
• proof of income and any social welfare payment details;
• recent bank or post office statements;
• the bill, quote or letter that shows what you need.

Watch out for scams

Fraudsters impersonate the Department of Social Protection, Revenue and well-known charities by text, phone and social media. The Department does not ask for bank passwords or fees to release a payment, and charities do not charge for help. Be wary of anyone offering a quick "grant" or loan in exchange for an upfront payment, or asking you to move money into another account. If in doubt, contact the organisation through the details on its official website or ask Citizens Information.