Emergency Response Payment application date for Stage 1 extended to support householders affected by Storm Chandra

The Department of Social Protection has announced that the date for receipt of applications for Stage 1 of the Emergency Response Payment (formerly the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme) has been extended to Wednesday, 11th February 2026.

The scheme is available to provide support to people living in properties directly affected by Storm Chandra following severe weather conditions.

The Emergency Response Payment prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.

The scheme does not provide a general compensation payment for damage or losses incurred as a consequence of a weather event, nor does it cover damage or losses that are insured under home insurance policies or would reasonably be expected to have been covered by an insurance policy. Neither does it cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses. It is available as a support for households which experience unanticipated and exceptional costs in the immediate aftermath of an extreme weather event.

If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.

Further information on the Emergency Response Payment is available at: www.gov.ie/erp