Service
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance to households who are not able to meet costs for essential needs immediately following flooding or severe weather events.
It is designed to alleviate hardship rather than provide full compensation for damage.
The scheme is activated by the department in response to a severe weather event and is administered by the Community Welfare Service.
The following are covered under the scheme:
- emergency income support payments
- damage to your home and its essential contents, such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding
- structural damage may also be considered
The following are not covered under the scheme:
- losses covered by an insurance policy
- loss of items deemed to be inessential or luxury items
- commercial and business losses
- loss or damage to private rented accommodation or local authority accommodation
Payments are subject to an income test which determines your household’s ability to meet the costs of restoring your home to a habitable condition. All household income will be considered.
Levels of payment will depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and your ability to meet these costs.
You can apply through Community Welfare Services. Learn how to access Community Welfare Services here.
An application form is available to download here or from your your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
Humanitarian Assistance Towards Flood Damage
This form is used to provide income tested financial assistance to eligible households who have suffered major flood damage to their homes. The scheme is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. Updated - February 2021
DownloadDepending on the nature of your claim, you may need to have the following:
- evidence of household income (pay slips and so on)
- estimates for repairs or replacement
- a copy of your insurance policy
- paid invoices or receipts
- any other information which may support your claim
