Access to Travel Supplement for victims of domestic violence

A protocol to assist victims of domestic violence with additional travel costs has been established by the Department of Social Protection.

Under this protocol, if you are a victim of domestic violence, you will be able to apply for Travel Supplement. Your means, employment status and whether you are a full-time student, will not be taken into account when determining your entitlement to the Supplement for an initial three-month period.

Levels of payment under the Travel Supplement will depend on your individual circumstance and requirements along with your additional costs incurred for essential journeys, including if relevant, fuel costs associated with the use of your own motor vehicle.

To qualify for this support, you must satisfy the standard Habitual Residence Condition. You are not required to be in receipt of another payment from the Department of Social Protection to qualify.

Your application will need to include one of the following:

• a referral from a Cuan funded service provider
• a copy of a Court Order, such as a Barring, Safety or Protection Order

written evidence from:

• a member of An Garda Síochána
• a health care professional, e.g., GP, public health nurse
• a registered social worker
• a legal advisor
• a family support worker

After the first three months have passed, you may be provided with a further three-month extension of Travel Supplement; however, this will be subject to the usual means assessment alongside a review of your eligibility for the scheme.

Immediate Support

It is understood that you may not have immediate access to one of the required documents above. It is with this in mind that the department can provide an Additional Needs Payment for a week to allow you time to source the necessary supporting documentation.

These payments are administered by Community Welfare Officers in the Department of Social Protection.

Telephone: 0818 607080

Click here for details on how to apply for an Additional Needs Payment

Domestic Violence Travel Supplement

To apply, fill in the application form for Domestic Violence Travel Supplement below. The department’s Community Welfare Services or local Citizens Information Service can help you fill in this form.

All applications and documentation should be posted to:

Community Welfare Services, PO Box 700, Freepost FDN 7510, Dublin 22.