Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme: Help Applying

This section explains the supports available to help you apply to the Scheme. You can get help at any stage. You will be treated with kindness, sensitivity and respect throughout the process.
The Payment Scheme Office can help if you have questions about your application or need support understanding the process. You can contact the Office to ask for help, speak with someone on the information helpline, or request support by email.

You can complete your application on your own or with support. You do not need to use a solicitor.

Email: info@paymentscheme.ie
Freephone (calling from Republic of Ireland): 1800 843 354
Phone (calling from abroad): +353 1 522 9992
Website: www.gov.ie/paymentscheme

Citizens Information

Citizens Information provides free, confidential, and impartial information on public services and supports. Citizens Information Centres can help you understand the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, provide application forms, and assist you in completing your application. Appointments can be made if needed.

Phone: 0818 07 4000 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)

Website: www.citizensinformation.ie

National Advocacy Service (NAS)

The National Advocacy Service (NAS) provides free, independent and confidential advocacy support to adults with disabilities. NAS advocates can help people who may need extra support to understand the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, make decisions, and have their views and wishes respected throughout the application process.

Phone: 0818 07 3000 (available from 10:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday)

Email: info@advocacy.ie

Website: www.advocacy.ie

Sage Advocacy

Sage Advocacy provides free, independent, and confidential support to people affected by institutional abuse, including former residents of Mother and Baby Institutions. Advocates can help you understand your options, support you with the Payment Scheme application, and make sure your voice is heard.

Phone: 01 536 7330

Website: www.sageadvocacy.ie

If you live in Britain, a number of organisations can provide free support with applying to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, including practical guidance and emotional support.

National Response Line (London Irish Centre)

Provides information and support with completing your Payment Scheme application across the UK.

Freephone: 0800 519 5519 (Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm)

London Irish Centre – Survivors Service

Supports Irish communities across London and the South-East of England.

Phone: 020 7916 2222

Email: community@londonirishcentre.org

Website: londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/survivorservice/

Fréa – Renewing Roots

Supports Irish communities across the North of England.

Phone: 07458 138 682

Email: renewingroots@frea.org.uk

Website: frea.org.uk

Coventry Irish Society

Supports Irish communities in Coventry and its surrounding areas.

Phone: 024 7625 6629

Email: simon.mccarthy@covirishsoc.org.uk

Website: www.coventryirishsociety.com

Luton Irish Community Services

Supports Irish communities in Luton and its surrounding areas.

Phone: 01582 720 447

Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

Website: www.lutonirishforum.org

If you live in the United States, Irish Immigration Centres can provide free, confidential, and practical support with applying to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

Irish Immigration Centres can help you understand the Scheme, explain the application process, and offer guidance with completing your application.

You can contact your local Irish Immigration Centre to find out what support is available in your area.

If you live outside Ireland, Britain, or the United States, your local Irish Embassy or Consulate can assist you in finding support.

Irish Embassies and Consulates can help by connecting you with local Irish organisations or community groups that may be able to provide practical guidance and support with understanding the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and the application process.

If you have additional needs, supports can be arranged to help you apply. These include:

Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation

• You can email info@paymentscheme.ie or call 1800 843 354 freephone if calling from the Republic of Ireland, or +353 1 522 9992 if calling from abroad, (Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 GMT) if you want to use ISL to discuss your application.
• An ISL interpreter can be arranged in person or by video link.
• Sign Language Interpreting Services (SLIS) can also help. You can email reception@slis.ie or text 087 980 6996. They also offer a remote interpreting service on their website.

Support for people with hearing loss

• You can contact the Payment Scheme Office by email or phone for help with your application.
• If needed, we will arrange an appointment with an ISL interpreter.
• SLIS provides support for Deaf and hard‑of-hearing people who want to talk about the Payment Scheme.

Support for people with vision impairment, including screen reader–compatible application forms

• The online application is compatible with screen readers.
• If you find the form difficult, call the Payment Scheme Office on 1800 843 354 freephone if calling from the Republic of Ireland or +353 1 522 9992 if calling from abroad (Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 GMT).
• Vision Ireland can also help. You can call 1800 911 250 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00). Their offices nationwide are open at these times also.

National Counselling Service

The HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) provides free, professional counselling support for former residents of Mother and Baby Homes. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm.

Further details and local contact information are available here.

Connect Counselling

Connect Counselling provides free, confidential telephone counselling and emotional support outside normal service hours.

The service is generally available Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 9pm. Availability may be extended at times, depending on demand.

Freephone: 1800 477 477

Samaritans

Samaritans provide free, confidential emotional support at any time.

Freephone: 116 123

Additional Mental Health Supports

Additional mental health supports provided or funded by the HSE are available to former residents. Details of these services can be found at:
Website: www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Text: YMH to 50808 (Messaging Support Service)

If you live in Britain and would like to access local supports, a number of organisations are available. These services are financially supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) and offer free, confidential support.

Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy Service (ICAP)

ICAP is a specialist counselling and psychotherapy service supporting people from the Irish community in Britain. It works with a range of emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress, and has particular expertise in supporting adult survivors of institutional abuse.

Address: 96 Moray Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3L
Phone: 020 7727 2906
Email: info@icap.org.uk (London), info@icapbirmingham.org.uk (West Midlands)
Website: www.icap.org.uk

Support from Irish Community Organisations in Britain

Several Irish community organisations in Britain offer free, confidential support to survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home institutions. These organisations can provide practical guidance, information, advocacy, and signposting to emotional or specialist counselling supports. Services include the National Response Line and survivor support services delivered by the London Irish Centre, as well as regional supports such as Fréa – Renewing Roots and the Coventry Irish Society.

If you would like help or have any questions:

• Freephone (calling from Republic of Ireland): 1800 843 354
• Phone (calling from abroad): +353 1 522 9992
• Email: info@paymentscheme.ie
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (GMT)
• Address: PO Box 13668, Waterford, Ireland