The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced changes will be made to the Wage Subsidy Scheme following a comprehensive review of the scheme.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme aims to encourage private sector employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to people with a disability. It does this by offering employers a subsidy.
The review’s recommendations are based on stakeholder feedback as part of the public consultation process. The review also draws on research and best practice from other countries.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced an expansion of the Fuel Allowance to Employment Support Scheme participants.
For the upcoming Fuel Allowance season, the period a person spends on an Employment Support Scheme (Community Employment, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme) will count towards the qualifying period for Fuel Allowance purposes.
This measure will benefit those that leave a qualifying social welfare payment to engage in an Employment Support Scheme.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that 1,145 carers have been awarded over 20 years of Long-Term Carers Contributions
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has encouraged workers to avail of the department’s Treatment Benefit Scheme, a scheme which supports workers access dental, eyesight and hearing treatments.
Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, a person may qualify for:
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that Child Benefit has now been paid in respect of almost 60,000 18 year olds for the very first time.
Minister Humphreys secured Government approval to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from May 1st 2024.
Child Benefit is now being paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday. Child Benefit is paid at a rate of €140 per month.
To date, the measure has benefited over 58,000 young people who are in full time education or who have a disability.
Fleadh Cheoil na HÉireann will take place in Wexford from the 4th to the 11th of August, 2024
Wexford Intreo will remain open to the public during our normal opening hours. Due to local traffic restrictions, access to the office may be affected from the 6th to the 10th of August.
Our phoneline staff are also available to support you with any Intreo services queries on 0818 405060 from 9.15am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The national phone line for Community Welfare Services is 0818 60 70 80. Please use our online services at mywelfare.ie where possible and only attend the office for urgent requirements.
Our walk-in Public Service Card (PSC) service will not operate from the 6th to the 9th of August. This service will resume on Monday the 12th of August. Please be aware that you may experience longer wait times on that date. Public Service Card (PSC) services in Gorey and Enniscorthy are unaffected and you can find further details at Public Services Card (PSC) Centres.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Ministers Heather Humphreys and Roderic O’Gorman have today announced from 1 August, parents will be able to avail of 9 weeks paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit.
The measure means that under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit schemes, the number of weeks that parents can take time off work, with financial support from the State, increases from 7 weeks to 9 weeks.
The support applies to both parents and is part of the Government’s ambition to ensure that parents can enjoy meaningful quality time with their new-born in the knowledge they will be financially supported.
We are aware of fraudulent phone calls and text messages, claiming to be from the department, telling you that you are eligible for a discounted electricity bill.
If you receive such a call or text, please do not engage with the caller and do not share any part of your PPS number, Bank Account details or any other personal information with them. Do not click on any links they send you. DSP staff never ask for such details by phone or text.
If you have shared any bank account details following a call that is suspected to be a scam, please contact your bank immediately.
If you have provided any such information to a caller that you believe to be a scam call or scam text, please contact the Gardaí immediately. See advice from Gardaí .
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that 168 additional primary schools have been approved for the Hot School Meals Programme.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, today launched Work and Access, an exciting new Employment Programme aimed at removing barriers that disabled people may face in the workplace.
Work and Access includes:
In May 2024 the government agreed to bring equivalence of treatment between BOTPs who arrived in Ireland before and after 14 March and who are living in full board State provided accommodation where meals and utilities are provided.
The government has now agreed on a plan to implement this decision. This means:
Further information on these changes can be found here.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, today met with the first people to avail of the new Free Travel Pass for persons medically unable to drive.
From this week, the Free Travel Scheme is being extended to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability, and to drivers who have a licence and are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer.
It is the first time a Free Travel Pass has been available to persons not in receipt of a Pension or qualifying Social Welfare Payment.
The scheme allows eligible people to access free travel on all public transport provided by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, along with some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced the publication of the Report on the Review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for farmers who receive specific social welfare payments. There are almost 3,000 people currently participating in the RSS, with a budget of €52 million for 2024.
Monday 5 August is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 5 August will now be paid on Friday 2 August instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 6 August.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 5 August. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 6 August.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced that the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024 has been signed into law by the President.
Under the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024, families will be facilitated in registering the birth or death of a loved one online for the first time.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Social Inclusion, Joe O’Brien TD, has today published an Action Plan which aims to address Food Poverty in Ireland.
Minister Joe O’Brien established the Food Poverty Working Group in 2021 with representatives from a range of government departments and the community and voluntary sector. The Minister has chaired the group through a series of regular meetings and research projects since its inception.
In addition to the Action Plan, Minister O’Brien has also published a report into the nature of Food Poverty in Ireland. The report highlighted –
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, today hosted the Department’s annual Pre-Budget Forum in Dublin Castle.
This forum offers a unique opportunity for NGOs, trade union and business representatives to discuss policy issues and present their priorities for the upcoming Budget.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today opened the grant application process for initiatives to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is on 17 October and has had international focus since its formal UN adoption in 1992. In Ireland, the day is promoted by the 17 October Committee and All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland.
The Department of Social Protection is providing funding to support anti-poverty groups to organise local, regional or national activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, announced yesterday that the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and will now be presented to the President for signing.
The Bill provides for a new Pay-Related Benefit system in Ireland which will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment.
The new Pay-Related Benefit will be available to new, fully unemployed people who have a strong and recent attachment to the labour market, and who are available for and genuinely seeking employment.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that over 126,000 families will receive the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance from today.
The payment from the Department of Social Protection is designed to support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.
This means that €160 will be paid in respect of children aged 4-11 years old.
And €285 will be paid in respect of children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced additional funding to support and improve employment opportunities for disabled people.
The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is an employment focused programme which aims to support disabled people to enter education and employment.
The programme began in January 2024, with grants available of up to €200,000 per year.
Previously, 51 organisations were approved for funding from January 2024. The Minister has now approved funding for a further 5 organisations from July 2024 bringing the total number of projects to 56.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today officially opened the departments new Intreo Centre in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.
The Intreo facility will serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ – building on the services that were previously provided by the Social Welfare Branch Office in Carrickmacross. The new Intreo Centre is located on Ardee Rd, Magheross, Carrickmacross.
The services available from the new office include:
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that an initiative to support low income individuals and families by giving them access to Credit Union loans is to be made permanent.
It Makes Sense, is a Credit Union loan scheme offering small loans at a low interest rate for people in receipt of a social welfare payment.
The Scheme provides affordable credit to people on a low income and aims to reduce dependency on high-cost credit providers.
Most repayments of loans under the scheme are made through An Post’s Household Budgeting facility.
Based on the success of this pilot, the Minister is today announcing the permanent establishment of this payment in Statute in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
The Postal Agency at Lismacaffrey, Mullingar, County Westmeath, N91Y194, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Friday, 28 June 2024.
DSP customer payments will be transferred to Granard Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
There will be NO walk-in service available at the Research Rooms from 25 June 2024 due to urgent repair works on the building. We will re-open for our walk in services on Tuesday 13 August.
The Research Rooms will continue to offer a full email service Monday – Friday where you can request searches or photocopies.
Please email your request to GROResearchRoom@welfare.ie and a member of staff will reply as soon as possible.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened applications for the 2024 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a once-off payment made to eligible families to assist them with the cost of sending their children back to school.
The rate of payment for 2024 is €160 for children aged 4 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
Some €65.2 million has been secured for the scheme this year – with more than 118,000 families set to receive the allowance automatically on the week beginning 8 July.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a series of improvements to the Government’s supports for carer's.
Minister Humphreys is introducing changes to the means test that applies to carer's so that many more can avail of Carer’s Allowance or potentially receive a higher rate of payment.
The weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance has increased to €450 per week for single carer's, and to €900 per week for a couple. This change was implemented from last Thursday.
This amounts to cumulative increases to the disregards of €117.50 for a single carer and €235 for a carer who is part of couple since June 2022.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that the Carer’s Support Grant will be paid to 132,000 carer's across the country tomorrow (Thursday 6 June).
The grant of €1,850 is available to all carer's providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that changes to the social welfare means test which will see child maintenance payments disregarded will take effect from the 4 June.
The change to the means-testing means that many lone parents on reduced rates of payment will see their payment increase and those who may not have qualified at all up to this point may now be able to access this payment.
It is estimated that this measure will benefit over 16,000 lone parents and will cost approximately €10 million per year.
People do not need to take action in order to benefit from this measure which may see their payment increase.
Minister Joe O’Brien today hosted the annual Social Inclusion Forum in Croke Park, Dublin. This event brings together policy makers, service providers and service users from across government departments, people with direct experience of poverty and/or social exclusion and the community and voluntary groups working to address social inclusion issues and working to support those impacted. The Forum focuses on the delivery of the Government’s Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, have today launched the Employment and Youth Engagement Charter
The Charter is a key measure under the Government’s Pathways to Work objectives to engage companies in delivering activities to support people looking to enter or re-enter the workplace.
Employers are invited to engage with the Charter and sign up to some or all of the six listed commitments.
Recognising that barriers to recruitment are not limited to young people, the Charter will also cater for groups of jobseekers who may find it hard to get an interview, gain work experience or move into work. They are exposed to the same negative impacts from unemployment. These priority groups include:
Monday 3 June is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 3 June will now be paid on Friday 31 May instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 4 June.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 3 June. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 4 June.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, today addressed the Annual Carers’ Forum held at Chartered Accountants House, Pearse Street, Dublin.
The forum gives family carers a voice at policy level and is one of the Department of Social Protection’s commitments under the National Carers Strategy. This is a cross-departmental strategy, led by the Department of Health, that sets the direction for future policies, services and supports provided by government departments and agencies for carers.
On Monday 13 May the following offices will be closed:
For Community Welfare Service queries, you can contact the CWS phoneline on 0818 60 70 80. An emergency CWS service will operate from Hanover Street on Monday. All other services are closed, including the walk in PSC/PPSN registration service.
We will be in touch to reschedule any appointments so you do not need to contact us to rearrange your appointment.
Both offices will reopen on Tuesday 14 May. Thanks for your understanding.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened the application process for the new Free Travel Scheme Extension.
From the end of July, the Free Travel Scheme will be extended to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability, and to drivers who have a licence and are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer.
The scheme will allow eligible people to access free travel on all public transport provided by the State along with some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.
The first Child Benefit payments for 18-year-olds in full-time education will be paid today following changes made by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD.
Child benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of each month at a rate of €140 per child. From today, 60,000 18-year-olds who are in full time education or who have a disability will benefit from the change.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (May 1st) extended Child Benefit to 18-year-olds.
The first payments will be made next week and will benefit around 60,000 children who are in full time education or who have a disability.
Minister Humphreys secured agreement to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds as part of Budget 2024 with the measure initially due to be implemented from September.
However, in February the Minister announced that her Department was in a position to introduce the changes in May – four months earlier than initially planned.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, visited St Comgall’s school in Monaghan on Friday. The school has recently been approved for Hot School Meals as part of the recent expansion of the programme.
Since 8th April an additional 150,000 children are benefitting from nutritious hot meals throughout Ireland. This includes over 5,000 pupils in 36 schools in County Monaghan.
In addition, Minister Humphreys announced that any remaining Primary Schools, who have not yet joined the scheme, can now express an interest to receive hot school meals. All remaining schools will shortly receive an ‘Expression of Interest’ form.
Shanagarry Post Office, Co Cork, will be closed on Monday & Tuesday, 29 and 30 April 2024 to facilitate refurbishment of the premises. Your social welfare payment will be transferred to Ladysbridge Post Office during the temporary closure.
Monday 6 May is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 6 May will now be paid on Friday 3 May instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 7 May.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 6 May. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 7 May.
We have received reports from customers being contacted by phone from individuals fraudulently claiming to be from the department.
Customers have reported receiving missed calls, and upon returning the call, they are subjected to a pre-recorded or automated message that prompts them to select an option.
If a customer raises this issue with you, please remind them to exercise extreme caution if they receive such a call and to verify the authenticity by using only official departmental contact details and websites.
More information is available in a range of languages at Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages
If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from the department, please do not engage and avoid sharing any part of your PPS number, bank account details, or any other personal information.
If you have shared any bank account details following a call that is suspected to be a scam, please contact your bank immediately.
If you have shared any personal information following a call that is suspected to be a scam, please contact the Gardaí immediately. You can read the Garda advice here.
Ring Post Office, Dungarvan, County Waterford, X35A472, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
DSP customer payments will be transferred to Dungarvan Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has welcomed the announcement that the hair replacement grant, provided by her Department, has been recognised with a certificate of merit at the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Regional Security Forum Good Practice Awards.
The grant pays up to €500 towards the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement for people who suffer hair loss due to illness and was launched in May 2022.
Initially the scheme was expected to benefit 2,000 women or men during the first year, but it exceeded expectations with 2,700 grants awarded in the first 12 months. In just under two years since its launch over 6,000 grants have been awarded, with total payments of over €3 million.
The grant is delivered under the Department of Social Protection’s Treatment Benefit Scheme and covers hair loss resulting from cancer and forms of alopecia.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has secured Government approval for a series of landmark reforms to the system in which deaths and births are registered. Under the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024, families will be facilitated in registering the birth or death of a loved one online for the first time
These changes are designed to increase the access to the Register of Stillbirths while still respecting the privacy of their families and loved ones.
The Department of Social Protection, in collaboration with the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland and the Cross-Border Partnership for Employment Services, is inviting employers and jobseekers to connect at the North West Cross Border Recruitment Fair. The event will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on the 24th April 2024 from 10am – 3pm.
The recruitment event is open to all those seeking job opportunities whether they are commencing their careers or are experienced professionals or are seeking a career change.
Employers attending include Circet, Houston Engineering, Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Cherrymore Kitchens, EBS Building Society and Boyle Construction.
Attendees can have their CVs reviewed at the one-to-one CV clinics being held at the event.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys T.D., has today launched the Intreo Work and Skills events, which are taking place from the 15th to the 26th of April across the country.
Over 26 events are taking place, with a huge range of opportunities across a range of sectors including construction, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, retail and many more.
The events are to provide jobseekers with an opportunity to connect with employers who are actively recruiting and to learn about the training options available to help them take the next step in their career.
Information on the full range of events and how to register to attend is available at Item was unpublished or removed
Taoiseach Simon Harris and the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, have today announced that 900 additional Primary Schools are being approved for the Hot School Meals Programme.
Today’s announcement means an additional 150,000 children will benefit from nutritious Hot Meals.
In addition, the Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys have announced that the any remaining Primary Schools who have not yet joined the scheme can now express an interest to receive Hot School Meals.
The Minister for Social Protection announced on 12 April 2024 that the Green Paper proposals would not go ahead. However, we are aware that some submissions are almost complete. Submissions will be accepted until 30 April 2024 and will be included in the analysis and the preparation of future proposals.
The audio and voice quality issues reported with our phone service on 9 April have now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The technical issues with our phone service have now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the publication of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024.
The bill, which will shortly be brought to the Oireachtas, will pave the way for around 800,000 workers to be brought into a retirement savings scheme for the first time.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a decrease in the hours threshold for the Wage Subside Scheme for employees with a disability.
The weekly threshold for employers to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme is reduced from 21 to 15 hours from the 1 April.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is an employment support which aims to encourage the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market.
In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather / house fire ) occurring on the days our Intreo/ Branch Offices are closed over the Easter bank holiday weekend, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.
This phoneline is for emergencies only and will not deal with general queries.
Phone 087 9063339 from 10am to 2.30pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie
Our offices and our designated CWS phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Tuesday 2 April 2024.
Intreo are hosting a series of Work and Skills recruitment fairs in towns and cities throughout Ireland from 18-26 April 2024.
These recruitment fairs will provide you with the opportunity to find out more about the range of employment and training opportunities in your local area. The recruitment fairs will also provide you with the opportunity to meet with employers and apply for job vacancies. Jobs from all industry sectors are currently available.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development, Joe O’Brien, today welcomed the publication of ‘Connecting People with Jobs: Impact evaluation of Ireland’s Active Labour Market Policies’, an impact evaluation of Ireland’s programmes for long-term unemployed people.
The joint report between the OECD, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Department of Social Protection sets out the positive impact of Community Employment (CE) and Tús on the employment prospects of long-term unemployed people.
Essential maintenance will be carried out on MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie over the St. Patrick’s bank holiday weekend.
The MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie websites will not be available from 8am on Saturday, 16 March, until 8am on Tuesday, 19 March. Should the maintenance be completed ahead of schedule, these systems may become available before 8am on Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The deadline for the public consultation on the Green Paper on Disability Reform is being extended to 31 July 2024 in response to requests from individuals, Disabled Person’s Organisations and disability groups to have further time to make their submissions.
The Green Paper, published in September 2023, is a discussion/consultation document on how best to support people with disabilities into the future.
Its purpose is to start a structured conversation on the future of long-term disability payments.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that legislation has been enacted to disregard child maintenance payments from the means test for social welfare payments and to provide for the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from 1 May.
The Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 which was enacted this week gives effect to significant reforms for lone parents, including the exclusion of maintenance payments from social welfare means tests for the first time.
This means that many lone parents on reduced rates of payment will see their payment increase and others will qualify for a payment.
It is estimated that this measure will benefit over 16,000 lone parents and will cost approximately €10 million per year.
The technical difficulties with our phone service have now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Monday 18 March is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 18 March will now be paid on Friday 15 March instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 19 March.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 18 March. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 19 March.
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The work of the Interdepartmental Group Working Group will be informed by a broader review of means testing currently underway in the Department of Social Protection. The work of the Interdepartmental Group will also be considered within the context of review of the National Carers' Strategy , led by the Department of Health
The group will also examine proposals on financial supports for carers that have been raised by, among others:
Essential maintenance will be carried out on MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie over the St. Patrick’s bank holiday weekend.
The MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie websites will not be available from 8am on Saturday, 16 March, until 8am on Tuesday, 19 March. Should the maintenance be completed ahead of schedule, these systems may become available before 8am on Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced today that the legislation has been passed in the Dáil to give effect to the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from 1 May. Minister Humphreys secured an agreement to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds as part of Budget 2024 with the measure due to be implemented from September, however, the Minister recently secured Cabinet approval to introduce the changes four months earlier from 1 May.
The Department of Social Protection, the Citizens Information Board (CIB), and the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS), have restated their shared commitment to the delivery of the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Voucher Scheme, while all parties have agreed a pathway forward in order to continue the delivery of the Scheme.
Following a meeting chaired by the Department on 13th February, the Department, CIB and SLIS reaffirmed their respective commitments to the ISL Voucher Scheme and recognised its vital role in supporting members of the Deaf community to fully participate in society.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from May 1st. The measure will benefit around 60,000 children who are in full time education or who have a disability. Minister Humphreys secured agreement to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds as part of Budget 2024 with the measure due to be implemented from September. However, the Minister today secured Cabinet approval to introduce the changes four months earlier from May 1st. This means that Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.
To mark International Epilepsy Day, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, met with Epilepsy Ireland to announce details of a new Free Travel Scheme extension.
From July, the Free Travel Scheme is being extended to people who have never been able to drive due to a disability, and to drivers who have a licence and are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer.
This measure was secured by Minister Humphreys as part of Budget 2024 and is expected to benefit 32,000 people this year at a cost of €8.5 million.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the details of the January bonus, which will support 1.3 million people with the cost of living.
Over the course of this week, a double lump sum payment will be issued to the likes of our pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and low income families.
Monday February 5 is a bank holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 5 February will now be paid on Friday 2 February instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 6 February.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 5 February. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 6 February.
As Storm Jocelyn is now at status orange warning in County Donegal, and due previously damaged infrastructure and weakened trees, the following Intreo Centres will close at 4:30pm today.
Power has been restored to the Intreo Centres below:
We will continue to update any changes here.
Multiple Intreo Centres are closed to the public at the moment due to power outages following Storm Isha. The following Intreo Centres are currently closed:
We have no information yet as to when power may be restored. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Over 16,000 lone parents are to benefit from landmark reforms of the child maintenance system being brought before the Dáil today by the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys.
This means that many lone parents on reduced rates of payment will see their payment increase and others will qualify for a payment.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has secured Cabinet Approval to draft law that will introduce a new Pay-Related Jobseeker’s Benefit.
The introduction of Pay-Related Benefit will bring Ireland in line with other EU countries and will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment.
Under the new system, there will be three rates of payment as follows:
Binghamstown Post Office, Co Mayo permanently closed on Friday 29 December 2023. Your social welfare payment will be transferred to Belmullet Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a significant reform to the State Pension (Contributory) that will benefit thousands of carers over the coming years.
From this week, carers can get the equivalent of paid contributions (Long-Term Carer’s Contributions) for periods of over 20 years spent caring for an incapacitated dependent.
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has today announced that some €980 million in social welfare increases are to come into effect from today.
The improvements, secured as part of Budget 2024, provide for payment increases for pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and low-income families.
In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather / house fire ) occurring on the days our Intreo/ Branch Offices are closed over the New Year weekend, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.
This phoneline is for emergencies only and will not deal with general queries.
Phone 087 9063339 from 10am to 2.30pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie
Our offices and our designated CWS phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Tuesday 2 January at 9.15am.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that new flexible pension arrangements for people turning age 66 and applying for State Pension (Contributory) are being introduced from 1st January 2024.
This new flexibility allows people to defer claiming the State Pension (Contributory) at age 66 to receive an actuarially adjusted higher payment rate up to age 70.
The change also allows people to improve their social insurance record and potentially increase their rate of State Pension payment when they retire or allow those who started working later in life to make additional contributions to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
Crosshaven Post Office, Co Cork, is closing on Friday 29 December 2023. Your social welfare payment will be transferred to Carrigaline Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
All Intreo Centres will open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday 27 December, Thursday 28 December and Friday 29 December, and regular opening times will return on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather / house fire ) occurring on the days our Intreo/ Branch Offices are closed over the Christmas holidays, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.
This phoneline is for emergencies only and will not deal with general queries.
Phone 087 9063339 from 10am to 2.30 pm Sat, Sun, Mon and Tues.
Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie
Our offices and our designated CWS phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Wednesday 27 December at 9.15am.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today set out the details of the Christmas and New Year payment dates.
If you get a social welfare payment, the date which you receive your payment may change during the Christmas and New Year period.
If you receive a weekly social welfare payment, you will get your payment as usual during the week commencing Monday 18th December, and an advanced payment for the following week.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Fergus and the tornado in Leitrim.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding to support and improve employment opportunities for disabled people.
The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a new employment focused programme which aims to support disabled people to enter education and employment.
The programme will begin in January 2024, with grants available of up to €200,000 per year.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that 900 primary schools have been approved for the Hot School Meals Programme.
Today’s announcement means an additional 150,000 children will benefit from nutritious hot meals next year.
Crosshaven Post Office, Co Cork, is closing on Friday 29 December 2023. Your social welfare payment will be transferred to Carrigaline Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
Drummartin Post Office will be closed today and tomorrow, 4 and 5 December. Your payment will be available from Stillorgan Post Office.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a Double Child Benefit Payment will be paid Tuesday 5 December to support 650,000 families with the Cost of Living.
Minister Humphreys also announced the details for the Christmas Bonus, which will be paid to approximately 1.3 million people this week including Pensioners, Carers and People with Disabilities.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a new scheme to improve access to the State Pension (Contributory) for long-term carers (those caring for over 20 years for incapacitated dependents).
The Minister also announced the details of the three lump sum cost-of living payments being paid this week.
An Post have advised that there was a delay in processing incoming EFT payments for people this morning. Processing has now begun so all payments should be in peoples accounts over the next couple of hours.
The following Dublin City Centre offices shall close at 3pm today, Friday 24 November:
The GPO (Dublin) is closed this morning, Friday 24 November. It is hoped that it will re-open at 12pm.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a series of major social welfare reforms, as well as measures that will support pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and low-income families.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has launched a public consultation on the setting of a new national child poverty target. The submission closing date is Friday 19 January 2024 at 5pm.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the details of three Cost of Living lump sum payments being paid this week.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today announced that the UCD Cothrom na Féinne Scholarship will be subject to a disregard of €7,000 in respect of means tests for certain social welfare allowances.
The initiative is designed to support students on low incomes to access third level education and to alleviate the financial barriers facing families in receipt of social welfare.
Following the Budget 2024 announcement there may be an increase in fraudulent texts or calls asking people to register for the lump sums and double payments. If you are entitled to a lump sum or double payment, these will be automatically paid and you do not need to apply for it. Read more on our alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding in County Galway following severe weather conditions. The scheme will also be extended to other affected areas as required.
All Intreo centres and branch offices are fully open. You can see the opening hours of each office here.
In counties where there is a red weather warning in place , Intreo offices and branch offices will be closed until 11am on Monday 13 November. If you have an appointment this morning, we will be in touch to reschedule.
When a red weather warning is lifted, or where red warnings are not currently in place, department offices will remain open where possible and provide a vital service to you.
The situation will be closely monitored and updates will be published here.
If you have been impacted by the recent floods in Cork, Louth, Wexford or Waterford and you require urgent assistance on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.
This phoneline is for emergencies only and will not deal with general queries.
Phone 087 9063339 from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.
Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie
Our Offices and our designated CWS phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Monday 6 November at 9.15am.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding in counties Louth and Wexford following severe weather conditions.
Bonniconlon Post Office, Co Mayo, closed on Friday 27 October 2023. Your social welfare payment has been transferred to Ardnaree Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather / house fire ) occurring on the days our Intreo/ Branch Offices are closed over the bank holiday weekend, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.
This phoneline is for emergencies only and will not deal with general queries
Phone 087 9063339 from 10am to 4.30 pm Sat, Sun & Mon.
Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie
Our offices and our designated CWS phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Tuesday 31 October at 9.15am.
The Community Welfare Service in Middleton Social Welfare Office will be open on Saturday 28 October 9.30 to 12pm to assist customers whose homes have been impacted by the recent floods in East Cork and West Waterford.
Minister Humphreys secures additional funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme and increases to the income limits.
Monday October 30 is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any Social Welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 30 October will now be paid on Friday 27 October instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 31 October.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 30 October. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 31 October.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, TD, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding in Counties Cork and Waterford following Storm Babet.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the payment dates for the €1.2 billion Cost of Living supports introduced as part of Budget 2024.
The Social Protection package in Budget 2024 is the largest in the history of the State and will assist pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, and families with the Cost of Living through a mix of lump sum supports and increases to weekly payments.
A total of nine lump sum payments will be paid between November 2023 and January 2024.
The department can confirm that the below issue has been resolved and all payments have been made.
We were informed by An Post this morning that there was an issue with their payment processing for customer saving accounts. This resulted in a delay for some social welfare payments today. This is only affecting customers with An Post saving accounts.
An Post have stated that they are in the process of resolving this issue and are hoping to have these payments processed later today.
Budget 2024 provides almost €2.3 billion in a package of measures that will assist people with the cost of living.
Due to essential maintenance works Stamullen Post Office will close on Wednesday, 4 October at 3pm. The Post Office will remain closed on Thursday 5 October, reopening on Friday 6 October at 11am.
Payments due to be collected at Stamullen Post Office on Thursday 5 October, will instead be available for collection at Balbriggan Post Office.
Intreo are hosting a series of Work and Skills recruitment fairs in towns and cities throughout Ireland from 6 -19 October, 2023. All events are free and available to all jobseekers.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the start of the National Fuel Allowance Scheme for the 2023/24 Season.
The public consultation to reform disability payments in Ireland is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 15 December 2023.
We are aware of fraudulent phone calls and text messages, claiming to be from the department, seeking personal information, for example State Pension details.
DSP staff never ask for such details by phone or text.
If you receive such a call or text, please do not engage with the caller and do not share any part of your PPS number, Bank Account details or any other personal information with them.
If you have provided any such information to a caller that you believe to be a scam call or scam text, please contact the Gardaí immediately. See advice from Gardaí .
We are currently carrying out a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). the department has invited the views of key stakeholders and interested parties including the Community and Voluntary organisations, through a number of consultative processes. These include an RSS survey and written submissions from interested parties.
We are currently recruiting for Deciding Officers. Applications are open from Thursday 31 August 2023 with a closing date of Friday 29 September 2023. Further information can be found on our Career’s page here.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that major changes will be made to the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme following a comprehensive review of both schemes.
You can contact Working Family Payment on 0818 300600 and select option 3 from the available menu. Working Family Payment can also be contacted on 074 9164575.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a call for applications for a new employment focussed programme for people with disabilities.
The programme, called “WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme”, will run from 2024 to 2028 and has an overall budget of up to €36.29million.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support to those living in properties directly affected by the recent flooding in County Meath.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed into effect regulations which mean that lone parents no longer have to prove that they have made efforts to seek child maintenance from their child’s other parent, when applying for the One Parent Family payment or Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment.
We are providing funding to support anti-poverty groups to organise local, regional or national activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and to mark this day in 2023.
The maximum amount of funding which can be awarded to any one project is up to €3,000.00, with a limitation of only one proposal per organisation under this initiative.
The strict deadline for applications is 12:00pm, 18 August 2023
Late applications will not be considered.
Monday 7 August is a Bank Holiday and as a result most social welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 7 August, will now be paid on Friday 4 August instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed Monday 7 August due to the Bank Holiday. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will re-open on Tuesday 8 August.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, have today announced that the Abhaile Scheme is to be extended for a further four years.
The scheme has proven critical in terms of supporting families who find themselves in serious or long-term mortgage arrears and are at risk of losing their homes.
We are currently recruiting for a Principal Officer in Software Engineering. Applications are open from Thursday 20 July 2023 with a closing date of Friday 11 August 2023. Further information can be found on our Career’s page here.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, today hosted the Department’s annual Pre-Budget Forum which offered an important opportunity for community and voluntary groups, trade union and employer representatives to discuss and debate policy issues and present their thoughts and views on the upcoming Budget.
Kildimo Post Office, Co Limerick closed on Wednesday 12 July 2023. Your social welfare payment has been transferred to Pallaskenry Post Office.
If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.
We have been made aware of customers recently receiving text messages fraudulently purporting to be from the department.
These messages often ask customers to open a link and to provide personal information or verify details.
We want to remind the public that we never ask for these details via text messages.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today officially opened our new Intreo Centre in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
The Intreo facility will serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ - bringing together employment and support services that were previously being delivered in three different locations.
The services available from the new office include:
Public Consultation on the Wage Subsidy Scheme Review is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 21 July 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Public Consultation on the Rural Social Scheme Review is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 30 June 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has confirmed that a dedicated team from the Department of Social Protection is being put in place to provide supports to Tara Mines workers and their families.
Public Consultation on the Rural Social Scheme Review is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 30 June 2023, at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today opened applications for the 2023 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which has been increased this year to reflect the ongoing Cost of Living challenges.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced an additional €100 per child in Child Benefit payments will be paid today to support 650,000 families with the Cost of Living.
The submissions that were submitted by individuals, organisations and departments for the public consultation on the Roadmap for Social Inclusion: Mid-Term Review have been published and can be found here.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced that the Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 will be paid to 125,000 carers across the country.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien, have announced a pay increase of 5% for supervisors and team leaders of Employment Support Schemes including:
Monday 5 June is a Bank Holiday and as a result most social welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 5 June, will now be paid on Friday 2 June instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed Monday 5 June due to the Bank Holiday. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will re-open on Tuesday 6 June.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys addressed the Annual Carers’ Forum which took place on Wednesday 17 May 2023 at Chartered Accountants House, Pearse Street.
The purpose of the Forum is to provide carers with a voice at policy level. It also provides an opportunity for engagement between officials and people experiencing care issues first-hand.
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has announced that she is seeking expressions of interest from all Primary Schools across Ireland interested in participating in the Hot School Meals Programme.
The responses received will help to inform a policy for the future expansion of the programme.
Today the Central Statistics Office released the monthly unemployment data for April, which at 3.9% is the lowest level seen in 22 years since April 2001. This builds on the most recent Labour Force Survey (Q4, 2022) which reported that there are now over 2.57 million people in employment in the State, the highest recorded number since the series began in 1998.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a series of significant reforms to the system in which births and deaths are registered.
The new Bill will:
The Spring cost of living bonus payment was made to eligible people this week.
This was an additional bonus payment of €200 made to approximately 1.25 million eligible customers, in addition to their normal weekly social welfare payment.
The full €200 cost of living payment was paid, but the department is aware that in a small number of cases (in the region of 1% of payees) direct debits agreed through the An Post Household Budgeting system were applied to the bonus payment, in addition to being applied to a person’s normal weekly payment.
The department is working with An Post, the local authorities and housing associations to identify the people affected. In cases where rent was deducted, we are working to recover the amount deducted and arrange for a refund to the affected customers.
For other An Post deductions customers’ benefit from the full value of the payment through an increase in their credit union account balance or a reduction in balances due on household bills.
The department intends that the refunds for rent will be made to customers no later than by the end of May.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, today acknowledged the achievement of significant milestones for the Department’s online services with over 10 million transactions on MyWelfare, in addition to over 20 million engagements through the Welfare Partners portal by business partners.
In most cases, the cost of living bonus payment will be included in normal weekly social welfare payments this week.
In some cases, two payments will be made including:
In these cases, the normal weekly payment and the cost of living bonus payment will both include any deduction which you have previously agreed to, such as:
Monday 1 May is a Bank Holiday and as a result most social welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 1 May, will now be paid on Friday 28 April instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed Monday 1 May due to the Bank Holiday. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will re-open on Tuesday 2 May.
Construction Work and Skills Week 2023 week will take place from 5 -12 May 2023. The Department of Social Protection will host a series of events at various locations throughout the country. These events will provide opportunities to find out more and apply for job vacancies available in the construction and associated sectors.
MyGovID has now resolved the issue. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
MyGovID is currently experiencing a technical issue which means you may not receive a code to your mobile phone while verifying an account or using a verified account.
We are aware of this issue and are investigating it. We will post an update when the issue has been resolved.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We are aware of fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the department. These texts will sometimes seek personal information or ask you to verify details, for example, for Cost of Living Payments.
DSP staff never ask for such details by text.
If you receive a text claiming to be from the department, please do not engage and do not share any part of your PPS number, bank account details or any other personal information.
If you have provided any bank details please contact your bank immediately.
If you have provided any of your personal information, please contact the Gardaí immediately.
The essential maintenance on MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie has now been completed.
Essential maintenance will be carried out on MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie from 7.30am on Thursday 13 April. The MyGovID and MyWelfare websites will not be available during this time. We estimate that this work should take no longer than 2.5 hours.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that a €200 lump sum payment to support with the cost of living will be paid to over 1.3 million people in the week commencing Monday 24 of April.
People will receive their €200 lump sum payment on the same day that they usually receive their primary payment. You can read the full press release here.
The Public Consultation on Important Changes to Social Welfare Appeals Regulations is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 19 May 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed new regulations that will ensure Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid in respect of children who remain in hospital following their birth.
You can now apply for an Additional Needs Payment online at MyWelfare.ie
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced landmark plans for the roll-out of the Hot School Meals Programme to every Primary School in Ireland.
Your social welfare payment date may change over the Easter holiday period.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Good Friday, 7 April and Easter Monday, 10 April 2023. All offices will reopen as normal on Tuesday 11 April 2023. Please click here for full details about opening hours
We are currently recruiting for a Medical Assessor. Applications are open from Monday 27 March 2023 with a closing date of Friday 14 April 2023 for the position of Medical Assessor in the Department of Social Protection. Further information can be found on our Career’s page here.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced a series of improvements to Community Employment (CE) Schemes.
CE Schemes play a vital role in both rural and urban communities in terms of supporting people on the road to employment.
There are 835 CE Schemes nationwide delivering a wide range of community services, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
We are currently recruiting for Temporary Clerical Officer positions in Donegal. Applications are open from Monday 20 March 2023 with a closing date of Friday 7 April 2023.
The technical difficulties with our phone service have now been resolved. However, all our Contact Centres are experiencing extremely high call volumes, with much longer wait times than usual. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We are currently experiencing significant technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Friday 17 March is a Public Holiday and as a result most social welfare payments due to be paid on Friday 17 March will now be paid on Thursday 16 March instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed Friday 17 March due to the Public Holiday. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will re-open on Monday 20 March.
Casual Jobseeker’s are advised of the change in arrangements. More information on these arrangements are available on MyWelfare.ie.
The submission closing date for the Public Consultation on Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers is tomorrow Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
The Public Consultation on the Pathways to Work 2021 – 2025 Strategy is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 31 March 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
February 6 is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any Social Welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 6 February will now be paid on Friday 3 instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 7 February.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 6 February. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 7 February.
Extended expiration periods for collecting social welfare payments in the post office were introduced as an exceptional measure during COVID-19 related restrictions. Now that restrictions have eased, normal services are resuming.
From 1 February 2023, to ensure you receive your social welfare payment on time, you should collect it from the post office on the same day it is paid. The schemes affected and their payment day are listed in the table below:
| Social welfare payment | Payment day (unless otherwise advised) |
| Farm Assist | Every Tuesday |
| Jobseeker's Allowance | Every Tuesday |
| Jobseeker's Benefit | Every Wednesday |
| Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self-Employed | Every Wednesday |
| Jobseeker's Transitional Payment | Every Thursday |
| Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme | Every Friday |
| One-Parent Family Payment | Every Thursday |
If you are unable to collect your payment at the post office, please contact your Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
As part of the public consultation process, we will host a half-day event on the proposals for a new Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers. You can give your feedback at this event.
This event is a chance to hear more from the department about these proposals and provide your views and feedback.
This event is free of charge and open to all stakeholder groups and members of the public. You will need to register for the event on Eventbrite and get a ticket. Please register for the event here.
The Public Consultation on the development of the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2026 opened is now open. The submission closing date is Tuesday 10 February 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Kevin Street Post Office is closing on Friday 20 January 2023. You can get your social welfare payment at St Andrew Street Post Office
A new online form for reporting suspected social welfare fraud is now live.
Anonymous reports are accepted by accessing this link.
More information about Item was unpublished or removed
All department offices, including Intreo Centres and Branch Offices, will be closed on Monday 26, Tuesday 27 December 2022 and Monday 2 January 2023.
The technical difficulties with our phone service have now been resolved. However, all our Contact Centres are experiencing high call volumes, with longer wait times than usual. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We are currently experiencing significant technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused
The essential maintenance carried out on MyGovID is now complete.
Customers can once again create a basic MyGovID account online.
MyGovID is currently undergoing essential maintenance until 3 January 2023 which means that it will not be possible to create new basic MyGovID accounts during this period. If you do not have a verified MyGovID account this will affect how you can apply for social welfare supports online. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that President Michael D. Higgins has signed the Social Welfare Bill 2022.
The bill introduces over €1 billion in Social Welfare improvements in 2023.
The Social Welfare Budget package is the largest in the history of the State and provides for a range of supports for pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and low-income families.
Minister Humphreys announces increased earnings disregards for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today published the first Annual Progress Report of Pathways to Work 2021-2025.
This is the first annual progress report produced by the Labour Market Advisory Council - a group of industry leaders, trade union and labour market experts who are responsible for providing external oversight of the strategy.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding of almost €700,000 to support Family Carers across the country.
The Public Consultation on Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers is now open. The submission closing date is Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 5pm. You can read further information here.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the opening of a new online application for the Fuel Allowance scheme.
The new system will support the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme which is expected to see over 80,000 additional households qualify for a payment for the first time.
This year’s Christmas Bonus has been extended to those who have been getting Illness Benefit for 12 months or longer.
If you are a long term Illness Benefit recipient, you will receive your Christmas Bonus between Tuesday 6 December 2022 and Friday 23 December 2022.
The Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, has secured Government approval to extend the Abhaile Scheme until the end of 2023.
The technical difficulties with our phone service have now been resolved. However, all our Contact Centres are experiencing extremely high call volumes, with much longer wait times than usual. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Information on social welfare Christmas and New Year payment arrangements and the Christmas Bonus is now available. Item was unpublished or removed
We are currently experiencing significant technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a €500 lump sum payment which will be paid this week to support over 114,500 Carers with the Cost of Living.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, have today published the Report of the Child Maintenance Review Group.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, have today announced the details of 4 separate lump-sum payments which will be paid this week. The payments will benefit older people, working families and people with disabilities. In total over 865,000 people will benefit from this week’s Cost of Living payments.
Ulster Bank has confirmed they are starting to freeze some current and deposit accounts from Friday 11 November 2022.
If you are still getting a social welfare payment into an Ulster Bank account please contact us to change your payment details as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest way for you to change your details is at MyWelfare.ie. If you are impacted by these closures you can contact the scheme area for your payment.
For queries in relation to your Ulster Bank account, you can contact Ulster Bank on 0818 210 260 or 00353 1804 7475 if calling from abroad.
Monday October 31 is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any Social Welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 31 October will now be paid on Friday 28 October instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 1 November.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 31 October. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 1 November.
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit came to an end on Friday 30 September 2022.
If you have received a COVID-19 diagnosis or have been advised to self-isolate and have medical certification from your GP, you can still apply for Illness Benefit. If you meet the qualifying conditions, you may be entitled to a standard rate Illness Benefit payment.
If you are in receipt of Enhanced Illness Benefit for a period before and after 30 September 2022, your payment may reduce or stop from the 1 October 2022 based on your contribution history.
Budget 2023 provides almost €2.2 billion in a package of measures that will assist people with the cost of living. Read the full press release here.
The Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 will come to an end on the Friday 30 September 2022.
If you have received a COVID-19 diagnosis or been advised to self-isolate and have medical certification from your GP, you can still apply for Illness Benefit. If you meet the qualifying conditions, you may be entitled to a standard rate Illness Benefit payment.
If you are in receipt of Enhanced Illness Benefit for a period before and after 30 September 2022, your payment may reduce or stop from the 1 October 2022 based on your contribution history.
Contracted Public Employment Services and how you are being supported in your job search are changing.
From 31 August 2022 the Local Employment Services are coming to an end.
While these services are ending, some of the organisations that were providing these services will now be providing the new Intreo Partners local employment services that is aimed at supporting you in finding a job.
For further information on these changes please contact your Local Employment Service advisor or your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has said her department will support householders affected by the severe flooding in Wexford.
If you need to make enquiries about available supports, please contact the department at:
We are aware of fraudulent phone calls and text messages, claiming to be from the department, seeking personal information, for example State Pension details.
DSP staff never ask for such details by phone or text.
If you receive such a call or text, please do not engage with the caller and do not share any part of your PPS number, Bank Account details or any other personal information with them.
If you have provided any such information to a caller that you believe to be a scam call or scam text, please contact the Gardaí immediately. See advice from Gardaí .
Monday 1 August is a Bank Holiday and as a result most Social Welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 1 August will now be paid on Friday 29 July instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 1 August. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be open as normal on Tuesday 2 August.
If you get a social welfare payment into an Ulster Bank or KBC Bank account, you will need to update your details with the department.
Please note that with effect from 12 July the new number for Domiciliary Care Allowance is 0818 927770.
Please note that with effect from 11 July the new number for all Working Family Payment queries is 074 9164575.
The government has announced measures designed to help families with school-going children returning to school in September. These measures are:
These are temporary measures for the current school year only.
From today, parents can now avail of 7 weeks' paid Parent’s Leave and Parent's Benefit, as part of measures introduced by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Roderic O’Gorman.
The measures will see the number of weeks that parents can take time off work, with financial support from the State, increase from 5 weeks to 7 weeks.
Minister Humphreys and Minister O’Brien have today announced major reforms to Community Employment, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme.
Also today, the application process for the ex-gratia payment for Community Employment Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors has been opened.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme for 2022 is now open for new applications.
If you believe your family are eligible, but have not received a letter of confirmation by the end of June, you will need to apply online by 30 September 2022.
A small number of social welfare payments are delayed by one day this week due to a system error. This may impact your payment date.
Some of the payments affected are Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment and Back to Work Enterprise Allowance.
If you are paid into your bank account, the payment will be in your account on Wednesday.
If you are collecting your payment at the Post Office, this will be available to collect on Thursday.
If you are paid by cheque on Thursday, this payment will be with you on Friday.
From 1 June 2022, the COVID-19 Part Time Job Incentive for the Self-Employed Scheme (PTSE) is no longer operational. All existing PTSE claims will be closed from this date. The last payment was 31 May 2022.
Monday 6 June is a Bank Holiday and as a result most Social Welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 6 June will now be paid on Friday 3 June instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 6 June. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be open as normal on Tuesday 7 June.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a revamp of the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which will benefit almost 80,000 young people aged 25-28 years old.
An additional Fuel Allowance payment of €100 will be made from 16 May 2022. This payment will be made automatically if you are already on the Fuel Allowance scheme.
It is not necessary to apply for the payment.
Bettystown Post Office is closed until further notice.
You will be able to access your social welfare payments at Laytown Post Office from later today.
A new Redundancy Calculator has been launched on MyWelfare.ie.
You can use the Redundancy Calculator to estimate your statutory redundancy entitlements. Please see Redundancy Payments Scheme for further information.
To access the new Redundancy Calculator, visit www.MyWelfare.ie/redundancycalculator.
Monday 2 May is a Bank Holiday and as a result most Social Welfare payments due to be paid on Monday 2 May will now be paid on Friday 29 April instead.
All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be open as normal on Tuesday 3 May.
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has doubled the time which Domiciliary Care Allowance and Carer’s Allowance are paid for children who are hospitalised.
The supports will be paid for 26 weeks to the parents or guardians of children under 16 who are hospitalised for up to six months.
The technical difficulties with our phone lines have now been resolved and there should be no problems getting through to our services.
All Ukraine Support Centres will be open on Good Friday 15 April 2022 from 9.15am until 3pm. The Ukraine Support Centres will be closed on Easter Monday, 18 April 2022.
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone service. As a result, our ability to answer calls is significantly reduced. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
A technical review of the Farm Assist Scheme has been completed in line with commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, and in the Our Rural Future, Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. You can read the full report here.
Your social welfare payment date may change over the Easter holiday period.
Public Consultation on the Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 29 April at 5pm. You can read further information here.
Minister Humphreys announces details of Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System. Read the full press release here.
From 23 March, a new Ukraine Support Centre in Limerick is open in addition to the Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin and Cork City.
| Cork and Dublin | Limerick | |
| Monday | 9.15am - 5pm | 9.15am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9.15am - 5pm | 9.15am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9.15am - 5pm | 9.15am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10.15am - 5pm | 9.15am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm |
| Friday | 9.15am - 4.30pm | 9.15am - 1pm, 2pm - 4.30pm |
In addition to the reception hub set up at Dublin Airport, the government has set up Ukrainian Support Centres in Dublin and Cork City.
The centres will assist Ukrainians in obtaining PPS Numbers, availing of Social Welfare income supports, and receiving referrals to other State services.
These centres are located at:
They will be open on:
From Monday 21 March, opening hours will be:
| Monday | 9.15am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9.15am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9.15am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10.15am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9.15am - 4.30pm |
We have also extended the opening hours of some of our Intreo Centres to provide access to PPS Numbers and income supports to people fleeing from Ukraine:
Your social welfare payment date may change over the March bank holiday period.
As part of the Government’s response to the rising energy costs, an additional payment of €125.00 is to be paid to all recipients of the Fuel Allowance scheme, who have an entitlement to the scheme during the week 14th March 2022 to 18th March 2022.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is coming to an end following the reopening of workplaces. If you are currently on this payment you will have received information on how the change affects you and what welfare supports are available. See more information.
Social Welfare supports for those arriving from Ukraine under the EU Temporary Protection Directive are available. Item was unpublished or removed
The department can confirm that the below issue has been resolved and all payments have been made.
We were informed by An Post this morning that there was an issue with their payment processing. This resulted in a delay for some social welfare payments today. This is only affecting customers with An Post accounts.
An Post have stated that they are in the process of resolving this issue. This is taking longer than initially expected. They hope to have all payments in customer’s accounts by this evening.
From 28 February 2022, symptomatic people who are required to self isolate as a result of COVID-19, in accordance with HSE Public Health guidelines will require an electronic or paper Certificate of Incapacity for Work from a GP to apply for the payment. See further information on Enhanced Illness Benefit.
Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice Update
We wish to remind the public that our staff remain available to assist anyone experiencing difficulties due to these storm and weather alerts.
Phone lines, email and MyWelfare services will operate as usual.
In areas where a red weather warning is in place, Department of Social Protection offices will remain closed until 11am on Friday 18 February. This will be monitored in line with the weather warnings.
When a red warning is lifted, or where red warnings are not currently in place, Department offices will remain open and provide a vital service to you.
Where orange weather warnings are in place, DSP offices will operate us usual and the situation will be closely monitored.
Help with Heating Costs
Are you on a low income, or depending on a social welfare payment and need help with your heating bills?
You could qualify for an Exceptional Needs Payment which is available from our Community Welfare Service under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
To contact or access the Community Welfare Service in your area, you should phone your local Intreo Centre and speak with a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) to request an application form or make an appointment for a consultation. Consultations with a CWO are available via phone, at our Intreo Centres and, if necessary, a direct home visit appointment can be arranged depending on your circumstances.
Applications for Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) are dealt with quickly. Customers no longer have to meet in person with a Community Welfare Officer in order to make a claim. This means that if you require assistance urgently, you no longer need to wait to visit your local Intreo Centre in person. Just phone and ask for an application form to be sent to you.
From 22 January 2022 the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is closed to new applicants.
For further information please see here.
If you were getting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and are still eligible, your payment will continue and is unaffected by this closure.
We are receiving high volumes of Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 applications as a result of the transmission of the Omicron variant. Currently 90% of these applications are being processed within a week. However, applications that require a manual intervention are taking approximately two weeks to process, but please be assured we will get to your application.
To support a quick turnaround we have allocating additional resources to this work as a priority. Telephone lines are also very busy so if you are contacting us by phone you may experience a longer than usual wait time.
We are working to process all claims as quickly as possible. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.
The quickest and easiest way to apply for Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences is online at www.MyWelfare.ie
To search for content on our old departmental website, please click here.
The department has updated its Privacy Statement here to present information in an expanded set of headings and to provide additional information to address the deficiencies in the previous Privacy Statement as identified by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) in respect of the processing of personal data including in respect of identity authentication (SAFE 2 registration) and the Public Services Card (PSC).