Publication
Supports available when applying to the Payment Scheme
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
We understand that applying for the Payment Scheme may trigger strong emotions for survivors and former residents. Please be assured that the Payment Scheme Office aims to treat everyone with kindness, sensitivity, and respect.
There is no need to engage a solicitor in order to apply to the Payment Scheme. If you have a general query on the Payment Scheme, or are having difficulty completing the application form or understanding the application process, you can call the information helpline at +353 1 522 9992 (Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 GMT) or email us at info@paymentscheme.ie.
If you’d like assistance in completing the form, further information is outlined below.
If you need support completing your application and do not wish to contact the Payment Scheme Office, you can contact one of the following:
• Citizens Information . Citizens Information Centres will have application forms on hand for the Payment Scheme and can provide assistance completing the application with you, if required. An appointment may be needed. Details on Citizens Information Centres, including opening hours and contact details, are available on the Citizens Information website.
• The National Advocacy Service (NAS) provides a free, independent and confidential representative advocacy service to adults with disabilities across Ireland. If you think that an advocate might be able to assist you with an issue you are having, you can call the National Phone Line on 0818 07 3000 from 10:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday, or email info@advocacy.ie . Further information is available at the National Advocacy Service website .
Do you have low vision or sight loss?
For anyone with sight loss, the online application portal is compatible with screen readers. If you are having difficulties with the form or require help in completing your application, you can call the Payment Scheme Office on +353 1 522 9992 (Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 GMT).
Alternatively, Vision Ireland can also provide support. The Vision Ireland Infoline can be reached via phone on 1800 911 250 from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Vision Ireland Head Office and regional centres around the country are also open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. A full list of these is available on the Vision Ireland website .
Do you have hearing loss?
Please contact us by email at info@paymentscheme.ie or phone on +353 1 522 9992 (Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 GMT) if you wish to use Irish Sign Language (ISL) to talk through your application or have general queries on the Payment Scheme. We can provide an ISL interpreter in person or by video link where required. Once you contact us, we will set up an appointment to provide this service.
Alternatively, the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) may be able to help if you are deaf or with hearing loss and wish to talk about the Payment Scheme, or your application. SLIS can be reached by email at reception@slis.ie or by text at 087 980 6996. SLIS also has a remote service which can be used for short meetings, and slots can be booked through their their website .
If you are living in Britain and would like to avail of supports locally, there are a number of organisations that offer support.
• The National Response Line , which is run by the London Irish Centre, is a Freephone service which can provide support to those applying to the Payment Scheme. This can be reached on Freephone 0800 519 5519, from within the UK, from 10:00 to 16:00 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Further information is available here
• London Irish Centre’s survivors integrated service provides support and advocacy to survivors and former residents of Irish institutions living in London and the South East. They can be contacted on 0207 916 2222, and community@londonirishcentre.org . Further information is available here
• Fréa – Renewing Roots is a partnership between Irish Community Care, Leeds Irish Health and Homes, and Irish Community Care Manchester, that supports survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions in accessing the Irish Government’s Action Plan, as well as offering emotional and practical support. Phone: 07458 138 682, email: renewingroots@frea.org.uk . Further information is available here
• Coventry Irish Society works with survivors and former residents of Irish institutions. Phone: 0247 625 6629, email: simon.mccarthy@irishsoc.org.uk Further information is available here
For people living outside Ireland, Britain and the United States, their local Irish Embassy or Consulate can provide details of organisations who may be able to assist. A list of embassies and consulates is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website .
We recognise that for many survivors and former residents their experiences in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions continue to impact them greatly today.
We are committed to ensuring that support is available for anyone who may need it. Professional counselling support is available, free of charge, for former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. Full details are available here .