Social Welfare

This video (available in Arabic here)  gives an overview of social welfare entitlements for International Protection applicants in Ireland:

The Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA)

International Protection applicants living in IPAS accommodation are entitled to a weekly payment called the Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA).

Adults are entitled €38.80 per week

Children are entitled to €29.80 per week

You can download the application form here and submit it to your local social welfare office. 

If you are working and earning over €125 a week for 12 weeks or more, your DEA payment may be reduced.

Homeless Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA)

If IPAS did not offer you accommodation on arrival and you are still waiting for accommodation, you are entitled to a higher rate of DEA: €113.80 per week.

Once you are accommodated, your DEA will be reduced to the normal rate. 

If you are homeless, please read here for more information. 

Additional Needs Payment (ANP)

Anyone can apply for an ANP if they have an essential need that they cannot afford.

ANPs are at the discretion of your local Community Welfare Service.

To apply, you must complete a Supplementary Welfare Allowance form and submit it to your local Community Welfare Office. We advise you provide as much detail as possible as to why the money is needed, along with receipts or evidence if possible.

This will help the deciding officer make a fair decision.  

You should receive an Additional Needs Payment with your first Daily Expenses Allowance Payment in the form of a clothing allowance.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 

This payment can help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.

International Protection Applicants may qualify for this payment depending on the age of their children and their income. 

If you do not receive this payment automatically, the closing date for applications is usually the end of September.

Working Family Payment 

International protection applicants who are working may qualify for the Working Family Payment, depending on their income. This is a weekly tax-free payment available to employees with children. 

What happens when I receive my Stamp 4 status?

Once you are granted Stamp 4 status and register your immigration permission, you have the same social welfare entitlements as an Irish citizen. 

You are no longer entitled to the Daily Expenses Allowance.

See here for further information.