Customer Notices

Intreo Centre, Branch Offices and SWA Clinic Notices

Minister Calleary launches Public Consultation for New Roadmap for Social Inclusion

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has launched a public consultation for a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion.

The Roadmap for Social Inclusion aims to reduce the number of people in poverty in Ireland and increase social inclusion for the most disadvantaged. The submission closing date is Monday 30 June.

You can read further information here.

11 April

Minister Calleary announces expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme and Review of Nutritional Standards

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced that 713 additional primary schools have been approved for the Hot School Meals Programme.

The announcement means some 2,850 Primary Schools across the country are now eligible to receive Hot School Meals. The Department will also be engaging with any primary schools not currently signed up, to encourage them to participate.

An additional 131,700 children across 713 schools will have access to nutritious hot meals starting from today. This brings the total number of primary school children now eligible to receive a Hot School Meal every day to 475,000.

The Minister also announced that a review of the nutritional standards for the scheme will be completed by a dietician who will be supervised by the Department of Health and in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals.

In addition, the Minister announced the removal of food that is high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the programme from September 2025.

Read the full Press Release here.

Stage 1 support for Storm Éowyn under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is open until the 25 April 2025

Due to the extended nature of the power and other utility outages caused by Storm Éowyn, Stage 1 applications for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme continue to be accepted. This allows people who could not submit a claim on time to make an application.

Applications for Stage 1 payments in respect of Storm Éowyn will be accepted until close of business on Friday 25 April 2025. No further applications will be accepted after this date.

Further information on the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available at Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

If you need assistance you should contact your Community Welfare Services by visiting your Local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at HAS@welfare.ie

31 March

New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme commences

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today welcomed the introduction of the new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme which commences today, 31 March.

This new scheme replaces the existing Jobseeker’s Benefit for people who become fully unemployed and who meet the contribution conditions for the scheme. It is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after 31 March 2025.

Read the full Press Release here.

26 March

Minister Calleary launches Intreo Work and Skills Events

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced details of the Intreo Work and Skills events which are taking place across the country from the 26th of March to the 11th of April.

Over 50 events are taking place nationwide with a huge range of opportunities in a range of sectors including financial services, transport and logistics, hospitality, healthcare, retail and many more.

The work and skills events provide jobseekers with an opportunity to connect with employers who are actively recruiting.

Read the full Press Release here.

25 March

Later office opening hours, Monday 31 March

All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will not open until 10.30am on Monday 31 March.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

20 March

Tullyco Post Office closure

Tullyco Post Office, Mullen’s Shop, Tullyco, Cootehill, Co Cavan, closed permanently on 13 March 2025.

DSP customer payments have been transferred to Stradone Post Office, which is approximately 4.4 kilometres from Tullyco. If you want to use an alternative Post Office, you can do so by making an application to your relevant department scheme office.

11 March

Minister Calleary announces renewal of contract with An Post

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, today announced the renewal of the department’s contract with An Post to provide pensions, Child Benefit and other Social Welfare payments to the department’s customers at Post Offices in their community.

• An Post processed 25.7 million Social Welfare payments in 2024
• over €7 billion social welfare payments made through An Post during 2024
• Pensions, Jobseekers, Child Benefit and other payments can be collected at your local post office

Read the full Press Release here.

10 March

St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday payment and signing arrangements 2025

Monday 17 March is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 17 March will now be paid on Friday 14 March instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 18 March.

All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 17 March. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 18 March.

7 March

Statement by Minister Dara Calleary in relation to planned redundancies at TikTok

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today responded to the recent redundancy notification from TikTok Ltd.

Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:

“Following the recent announcement from Tik Tok, I am acutely aware that this is a time of great uncertainty for the employees concerned and their families. My first priority and that of my officials at the Department of Social Protection is to ensure that those affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay."

Read the full Press Release here.

4 March

Minister Calleary announces extension to ‘Rent a Room’ income disregard measure for Social Welfare recipients who take in tenants

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced the extension of the amendments to social protection regulations for people renting a room in their own home.

• this allows someone in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment to rent a room in their own home and have the rental income disregarded, to a limit of €14,000
• the measure has been extended for 2 years until 2027
• some 750 people have availed of the measure to date

Read the full press release here.

Minister Calleary secures Government approval for Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension) Bill

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today secured Government approval to introduce draft legislation that will implement the Supreme Court decision in the O’Meara case. This legislation, once passed, will provide access to the Bereaved Partner’s Contributory Pension for surviving qualified cohabitants.

The Bill proposes to extend eligibility to the payment to qualified cohabitants who are in an intimate and committed relationship for two years where there is a child or children of the relationship or five years if otherwise. This reflects the existing definition in Irish law for qualifying cohabitants.

Read the full press release here.

Renewal of Temporary Protection permission

The Department of Justice is currently inviting all Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection to renew their Temporary Protection permission. If you are a beneficiary of temporary protection you don’t need to update your details with this department. Your social welfare payment will not be affected. If this position changes, we will update this message.

17 February

Public Consultation on the development of the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025 - 2028

The Public Consultation on the development of the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025 - 2028 is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 7 March 2025 at 5pm. You can read further information here.

13 February

Oranmore Post Office closure

Oranmore Post Office closed with effect from close of business on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

DSP customer payments will be transferred to Claregalway 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.

11 February

Over 4,400 families to receive Newborn Baby Grants this week

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced that the payment of the first Newborn Baby Grants will be made to parents this week.

Over 4,400 families will receive the grant for 4,522 children.

The Newborn Baby Grant applies to all children born on or after 1 December 2024 and who qualify for Child Benefit from birth. All of the parents have been advised of the payment of the new grant.

Read the full press release here.

7 February

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

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 .

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over the weekend

Community Welfare Services staff will be available, if and as required, over the weekend and the service can be contacted at:

Phone: 0818 60 70 80 from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday (this phoneline is for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme emergencies only).

Outside of these hours please email HAS@welfare.ie. All emails are monitored.

4 February

Minister Calleary provides ongoing support under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme in response to Storm Éowyn

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has outlined the essential support available under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for those who continue to be impacted by Storm Éowyn.

People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Services by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at HAS@welfare.ie.

Read the full press release here

31 January

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over the weekend

Community Welfare Services staff will be available, if and as required, over the weekend and the service can be contacted at :

Phone: 0818 60 70 80 from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday (this phoneline is for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme emergencies only).

Outside of these hours please email HAS@welfare.ie. All emails are monitored.

Minister Dara Calleary assures householders of continued support for those affected by Storm Éowyn

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has assured homeowners of the continued commitment of the department to support all houseowners affected by Storm Éowyn, through the Humanitarian Assistance Support Scheme.

The Humanitarian Assistance emergency financial payment is available to homeowners in the immediate aftermath of a severe weather event. It is open to homeowners in affected areas who do not have any power or water supply and includes support to pay for alternative accommodation if necessary.

Read the full press release here.

30 January

Supports for those affected by Storm Eowyn

The Department of Social Protection remains available to provide financial support to people who do not have any power or water supply. This includes support to pay for alternative accommodation if necessary.

People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Services by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at HAS@welfare.ie

No means test will apply in Stage 1 cases.

In addition, working with other agencies and service providers, the Community Welfare Services will identify vulnerable people who may not be in a position to contact the Community Welfare Service directly. Together with these agencies, the Community Welfare Service will work to ensure that they receive all appropriate information and supports.

Intreo Centres and Branch Offices which remain closed due to storm damage

Due to the ongoing impact of the adverse weather conditions the following offices remain closed today Thursday 30 January:

• Westport Intreo Centre

All other offices are open

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

29 January

Intreo Centres and Branch Offices which remain closed due to storm damage

Due to the ongoing impact of the adverse weather conditions the following offices remain closed today Wednesday 29 January:

• Edenderry Intreo Centre
• Westport Intreo Centre
• Thurles Intreo Centre

All other offices are open

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

28 January

Post Office closures impacted by Storm Éowyn

The department is aware that a number of Post Offices have been impacted by Storm Éowyn and remain closed. People who are due to collect a social welfare payment at affected Post Offices may experience a delay in collecting their payment. An Post is working hard to ensure all offices open as quickly as possible. An Post is also arranging that, where possible, payments can be collected at other post-offices

Customers should check for updates on the An Post website.

In the meantime anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty due to a Post Office closure should contact the Department of Social Protection by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or by phoning the department at 0818607080, or emailing your local Community Welfare Service. The department will arrange an emergency payment as necessary.

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

Intreo Centres and Branch Offices which remain closed due to storm damage

Due to the ongoing impact of the adverse weather conditions the following offices remain closed today Tuesday 28 January:

• Achill Intreo Centre
• Cashel Branch Office
• Clifden Intreo Centre
• Edenderry Intreo Centre
• Westport Intreo Centre

All other offices are open

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

February Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

Monday 3 February is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any Social Welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 3 February will now be paid on Friday 31 January instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 4 February.

All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 3 February. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 4 February.

27 January

Post Office closures impacted by Storm Éowyn

The department is aware that a limited number of Post Offices have been impacted by Storm Éowyn and remain closed. People who are due to collect a social welfare payment at affected Post Offices may experience a delay in collecting their payment. An Post is working hard to ensure all offices open as quickly as possible. An Post is also arranging that, where possible, payments can be collected at other post-offices

If your social welfare payment is usually paid at one of the following Post Offices, An Post has transferred your payment for collection to another Post Office as below:

These arrangements are up to date as of 3.00 pm on Monday 27 January. An Post continues to work to make alternative payment arrangements. The department will update this notice as further information becomes available. Customers should also check for updates on the An Post website.

In the meantime anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty due to a Post Office closure should contact the Department of Social Protection by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or by phoning the department at 0818607080, or emailing your local Community Welfare Service. The department will arrange an emergency payment as necessary.

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

Closures due to Storm Éowyn

Due to the ongoing impact of the adverse weather conditions the following offices remain closed today Monday 27 January:

• Achill Intreo Centre
• Clifden Intreo Centre
• Newcastle West Intreo Centre
• Kilmallock Branch Office
• Westport Intreo Centre
• Carrickmacross Intreo Centre

Our phone service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

Further updates will be posted on our website and social media. You will be contacted by the Department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

24 January

Minister Dara Calleary announces the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to support those householders affected by Storm Éowyn

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme 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 costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.

• our designated Community Welfare Service phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open throughout the day on Friday 24th January

Community Welfare Services staff will also be available if and as required, over the weekend and the service can be contacted at:

• phone 087 2895001 from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday (this phoneline is for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme emergencies only ).
• outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie. All emails are monitored.

Read the full press release here.

23 January

Office closures Friday 24 January

Due to the Red Weather warning issued for Friday 24 January, all department offices, and Intreo and Branch offices will be closed on Friday 24 of January.

Our phone service will remain available during business hours on Friday 24 January.

0818 40 50 60

0818 60 70 80 (Community Welfare Services)

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over this weekend.

In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather) occurring due to Storm Éowyn over the weekend, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.

Phone 087 2895001 from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday (this phoneline is for emergencies only).

Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie. All emails are monitored.

Our offices and our designated Community Welfare Service phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Monday 27 January at 9.15am.

You will be contacted by the department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

14 January

Sundrive Road Post Office temporary closure

Due to planned ESB works tomorrow, 15 January, Sundrive Road Post Office will be closed for the day.

Your DSP payment will be available from Kimmage Road Lower PO, during this outage.

9 January

Update for Thursday 9 January and Friday 10 January

Due to adverse weather conditions, the following offices remain closed today:

Co. Cork – Newmarket Branch Office

Co. Tipperary – Thurles Intreo Centre

All department offices in the following counties will close at 4pm Thursday 9 January and will not open before 11am on Friday 10 January:

Co. Carlow

Co. Cork

Co. Kerry

Co. Kilkenny

Co. Laois

Co. Limerick

Co. Tipperary

and Tullamore Intreo Centre in Co. Offaly

Please check before travelling. Further updates will be posted on our website and social media. You will be contacted by the Department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

8 January

Update for Wednesday 8 January and Thursday 9 January

Due to adverse weather conditions, the following office remains closed today:

Co. Cork – Newmarket Branch Office

All Department offices in the following counties will close at 4pm on the Wednesday 8 January and will not open before 11am on Thursday 9 January:

Co. Carlow

Co. Cork

Co. Kerry

Co. Kilkenny

Co. Laois

Co. Limerick

Co. Tipperary

And Tullamore Intreo Centre in Co. Offaly

Please check before travelling. Further updates will be posted on our website and social media. You will be contacted by the Department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

7 January

Update for Tuesday 7 January and Wednesday 8 January

Due to adverse weather conditions, the following offices remain closed today:

Co. Cork – Newmarket Branch Office

Co. Limerick – Newcastle West Intreo Centre

All Department offices in the following counties will close at 4pm on the Tuesday 7 January:

Co. Carlow

Co. Cork

Co. Kerry

Co. Kilkenny

Co. Limerick

Co. Tipperary

Opening of offices in these counties and the Rathdowney office in Co. Laois will be delayed until at least 11am on Wednesday 8 January

Please check before travelling. Further updates will be posted on our website and social media. You will be contacted by the Department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

Office closures due to adverse weather conditions - Update

Due to adverse weather conditions, the following office will remain closed today:

Co. Cork - Newmarket Branch Office.

The following offices will not open until the later time of:

10am:

Co Carlow - Muine Beag Branch office.

Not before 12 pm:

Co. Tipperary –Thurles Intreo Centre and Nenagh Branch Office

Further updates will be posted on our website and social media.

Please check before travelling. You will be contacted by the department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

6 January

Office closures due to adverse weather conditions

Due to adverse weather conditions, the following Intreo Centres and Branch offices will remain closed today:

Co. Carlow - Carlow Intreo Centre, Muine Beag and Tullow Branch Office.

Co. Cork - Newmarket Branch Office.

Co. Kerry – Cahirciveen, Listowel, Kenmare, Killarney, Tralee Intreo Centres and Killorglin Branch Office.

Co. Limerick– Newcastle West Intreo Centre and Kilmallock Branch Office.

Co. Tipperary - Clonmel and Thurles Intreo Centres, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town and Nenagh Branch Offices.

Further updates will be posted on our website and social media.

Please check before travelling. You will be contacted by the department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

5 January

Delayed opening due to adverse weather conditions

Due to adverse weather conditions, our offices in Counties Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Tipperary will not open before 12 noon on Monday the 6th of January.

Further updates will be posted on our website and social media.

Please check before travelling. You will be contacted by the Department with further instructions over the next few days if you were due to attend an appointment.

Our phone Service will remain available during business hours:

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

23 December

Christmas and New Year opening hours

Christmas opening hours forIntreo Centres and Branch Offices,PPSN Centres and PSC Centres are as follows:

You can contact us on the numbers below from 10am-4pm every day except for Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December and Wednesday 1 January. Normal phoneline hours will resume on Thursday 2 January.

By phone at:

0818 405 060

0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)

By e-mail at:

info@welfare.ie

Where a walk-in Public Service Card Service is in operation, this service will be available up until 12.30pm on 24 December. Walk-in availability may be reduced over the remainder of the Christmas period.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for income supports is online at: www.MyWelfare.ie

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Department of Social Protection.

19 December

An Post Christmas opening hours

If you collect your social welfare payment in a post office, the Christmas opening hours may be different. You can check the An Post opening hours over the Christmas period here.

12 December

Baggot Street Post Office closure

Baggot Street Post Office, 13 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Tuesday, 24 December 2024.

DSP customer payments will be transferred to Merrion Row Post Office, which is approximately 800 metres from Upper Baggot Street 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.

Newtown Post Office closure

Newtown Post Office, Pallas Beg, Newtown, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, E45 HD42, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Tuesday, 24 December 2024.

DSP customer payments will be transferred to Nenagh Branch Office, which is approximately 6.5 km from Newtown 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.

10 December

Update on the technical issue with the Illness Benefit Contact Centre phone service

The technical issues with the Illness Benefit Contact Centre phone service has now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

9 December

Illness Benefit Contact Centre-Technical difficulties with our phone service

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phone service at the Illness Benefit Contact centre . As a result, we are unable to answer calls.

You can contact the centre by emailillnessbenefit@welfare.ie. If you urgently need financial assistance, please contact your local Community Welfare Officer.

We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We will update you when the issue has been resolved.

6 December

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support householders affected by Storm Darragh

The Humanitarian Assistance Schemewill be available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Darragh.

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

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over this weekend

In the event of an extreme emergency (damaged property from extreme weather) occurring due to Storm Darragh on the days our Intreo/ Branch Offices are closed over the weekend, details of how the Community Welfare Services can be contacted are below.

Phone 087 2895001 from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday (this phoneline is for emergencies only).

Outside of these hours please email DNCWS@welfare.ie

All emails are monitored.

Our offices and our designated Community Welfare Service phoneline (0818 60 70 80) will be open again on Monday 9 December at 9.15am.

Community Welfare Service Map

All Community Welfare Service locations can be found on this map.

Community Welfare Service locations are marked with a yellow dot.

Read the full press release here.

5 December

Department of Social Protection announces funding of €1.2 million for 8 projects to support Family Carers

The department has today announced funding for 8 national and local projects under an initiative to support and improve the employment opportunities for family carers.

The initiative, under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2024, will place a special focus on empowering family carers to re-enter or remain in paid employment, education and training through a range of targeted interventions. The projects will also place an equal emphasis on addressing the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of the carers involved.

• €1.2 million in Dormant Accounts Funding to support carers in accessing employment, education and training
• 8 national and local projects will receive financial support to empower hundreds of family carers across the country

Read the full press release here.

2 December

Christmas Bonus and Double Child Benefit Payments to be paid this week

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the details for the lump sum social welfare payments that are being paid this week.

• Christmas Bonus to be paid to over 1.38 million people
• 676,000 families to receive double Child Benefit payments tomorrow
• payments totaling over €535 million to support people with the cost of living

Read the full press release here.

29 November

Payment delays for some PTSB account holders

Permanent TSB (PTSB) has informed us that there was a delay in processing electronic fund transfer (EFT) payments this morning. This has caused a delay in some social welfare payments for PTSB account holders.

PTSB is currently working to fix the issue and expects all payments to be in customers' accounts later this morning.

Update 12:15pm 29 November 2024

PTSB have confirmed for Danske Bank (DSP’s banker) that all social welfare payments have now been processed and are in customer accounts.

However, the PTSB app is down at the moment so customers are not be able to verify that at the moment.

25 November

Lump Sum Child Support Payments to be paid this week

As part of Budget 2025, families that get the additional Child Support Payment (formerly the Increase for a Qualified Child) will this week get an additional €100 lump sum payment for each child.

Child Support Payments are currently in payment in respect of approximately 340,000 children. As a result of this measure, families will get a once-off bonus payment of €100 in respect of each of these children.

You will get the lump sum payment in addition to and on the same day that you get your primary payment. The lump sum payments are paid automatically, you do not need to apply.

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support householders affected by Storm Bert

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Bert.

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

Read the full press release here.

21 November

Clifden Intreo Office

The communications network is down in Clifden Intreo Office. Our technical teams are aware of the issue and are actively working on a solution. The office is currently open, but operating with very limited connectivity. There is no phone service available. We will update you as soon as the issue is resolved.

15 November

Pallaskenry Post Office closure

Pallaskenry Post Office, Main Street, Pallaskenry, County Limerick, V94 RVR9, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Friday, 15 November 2024.

DSP customer payments will be transferred to Askeaton 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.

Dromina Post Office closure

The Postal Agency at Dromina, 4 Meadowside, Dromina, Rath Luirc, County Cork, P56 X627,, will close permanently with effect from close of business on Friday, 15 November 2024.

DSP customer payments will be transferred to Charleville 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.

8 November

Weather Warnings and Office Closures: What You Need to Know

During Status Red Weather Alerts, all Department of Social Protection offices in the area affected will close to the public. This includes Intreo Centres, Social Welfare Branch Offices and Control Offices.

The offices will close for the alert period and for 2 hours before and after the alert.

All appointments will be cancelled.

We will contact you to reschedule your appointment. If you were supposed to sign at an office, we will let you know if you need to come on another date.

Missing an appointment during a Status Red Weather Alert will not affect your payment.

Check the latest updates on our Customer Notices pageand our social media for updates.

For Post Office opening information, visit anpost.com.

Met Éireann and the government advise everyone in the area covered by the Status Red Weather Alert to follow instructions and be ready for exceptional measures.

7 November

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce funding to support Community Employment Schemes

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, today announced once-off grants of €1,000 to support Community Employment Schemes across the country.

The funding will assist Community Employment (CE) sponsor organisations with the cost of purchasing materials.

The purpose of CE is:

• to support long-term unemployed people to gain work experience and training to assist them in finding employment opportunities in the open labour market
• to provide vital services in local communities

Read the full press release here.

6 November

Over 30,000 people with mortgage arrears supported by Abhaile

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, have today published the 2023 Annual Report of Abhaile – the National Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.

This report highlights how Abhaile has supported over 30,000 borrowers since its establishment in 2016, securing a solution for over a third of these people, and helping almost half to put a solution in place.

Abhaile provides free financial and legal advice to borrowers and supports them to put in place solutions to their mortgage arrears that will keep them in their homes.

Read the full press release here.

5 November

Pathways to Work 2021-2025 - Third Annual Progress Report

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has today published the Pathways to Work 2021-2025 - Third Annual Progress Report, which was prepared and overseen by the Labour Market Advisory Council.

This Report highlights the substantial progress that has been made in respect of all strands within the Pathways to Work strategy during the period July 2023 to June 2024. At the end of Quarter 2, 2024, of the 65 commitments contained in the Pathways to Work strategy, 28 were achieved fully, or achieved with ongoing delivery, and 37 were in progress, or in progress with on-going delivery.

Read the full press release here.

4 November

Minister Humphreys announces details of four cost of living lump sum supports being paid this week

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced the details of four Cost of Living lump sum payments being paid this week that were introduced as part of Budget 2025.

• 4 Budget 2025 lump-sum supports totalling approx. €415 million will be paid this week to help with cost of living
• 667,000 families to receive double Child Benefit payments
• over 400,000 households to get €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum payment
• 213,000 people with disabilities to receive €400 Disability Support Payment
• 46,000 Working Families to get €400 lump sum payment

Read the full press release.

25 October

October cost of living bonus

The October cost of living bonus will be paid this year to more than 1.38 million people on primary weekly payments, including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents. The bonus will be paid in the week commencing 28 October 2024.

Those receiving the Beneficiary of Temporary Protection Weekly Payment will get the bonus on the 14 November 2024.

The October bonus will be paid on the same basis as the Christmas bonus in December. If you are getting a primary weekly payment, (these are all of the main payments from the Department of Social Protection), you will get a 100% increase in your weekly rate of payment.

The Living Alone Increase, the Increase for Living on a Specified Island and the Over-80 Increase are not primary weekly payments. These payments are increases to weekly payments for those that are eligible to get them. If you get these increases, the increase will be doubled along with your primary payment.

21 October 2024

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance is available to householders affected by Storm Ashley

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 Ashley following severe weather conditions.

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

Read the full press release here.

17 October 2024

October Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

Monday October 28 is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any Social Welfare payments due to be in your account on Monday 28 October will now be paid on Friday 25 October instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 29 October.

All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 28 October. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 29 October.

Minister Joe O’Brien welcomes the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024

Minister of State with responsibility for Social Inclusion, Joe O’Brien TD, has today welcomed the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This is a global event which will be marked with events to address poverty around the world. It aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and wider society.

Read the full press release here.

15 October 2024

Minister Humphreys launches Intreo Work and Skills events

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys T.D., has today launched the Intreo Work and Skills events, which is taking place from the 16 to the 30 of October in towns and cities across Ireland.

Over 52 events are taking place, with a huge variety of jobs available across a range of sectors including construction, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, retail and many more.

Through Work and Skills events, the department will showcase the Intreo supports and services that are available to both employers and jobseekers.

• over 150 exhibitors participating
• the message from Minister Humphreys is “Intreo is here to help”

Read the full press release here.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys TD, announces that families who experience a stillbirth will have broader access to a Stillbirths Register

• new register now available to families who wish to have their child’s stillbirth registration made public
• move follows consultation between Minister Humphreys and parents
• initiative warmly welcomed by support group Féileacáin

Families who experience a stillbirth will now have greater access to a Stillbirths Register.

For the first time, the facility will now allow the child’s entry to be made public in a new Record of Stillbirths.

The introduction of a public Stillbirths Register follows a long-standing campaign by parents and advocacy groups.

The Register will be ‘opt-in’ so as to ensure complete privacy for families and their loved ones who have suffered this awful trauma.

Minister Humphreys has met with families who have experienced a stillbirth and who wish to have their children’s stillbirth registration recognised as part of a Stillbirths Register.

This change has now come into effect following the enactment in the Oireachtas of the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024.

The Register has gone live this week.

Minister Humphreys today said she wants to thank the families involved for working with her and her Department in introducing these measures.

Read the full press release here.

Minister Humphreys signs commencement order for launch of Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings System on 30 September 2025

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed the commencement order which will see the first enrolments under the Auto Enrolment Retirement Saving System begin on 30 September 2025.

The Minister has also secured Government approval for the establishment of the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) on the 31 March 2025.

• Auto Enrolment system to be called “My Future Fund”
• “My Future Fund”, will help hundreds of thousands of hard-working people save for their futures with the support of employers and the State
• procurement of investment managers to commence shortly

Read the full press release here.

8 October 2024

Minister Humphreys announces dates for Cost of Living Lump Sum Payments

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the payment dates for the €1.4 billion of Social Protection Cost of Living supports introduced as part of last week’s Budget. These supports will assist families, pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities with the Cost of Living through a mix of lump sum payments, targeted supports and increases to weekly payments.

For more information, read the full press release here.

7 October 2024

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support those affected by flooding in County Cork

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 Cork following severe weather conditions.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme 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 costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.

Read the full press release here.

4 October 2024

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

Following the Budget 2025 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

3 October 2024

Minister Humphreys signs commencement order for Pay-Related Benefit to start on 31 March 2025

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that the new Jobseeker's Pay Related Benefit will come into effect on 31 March 2025.

Jobseeker's Pay Related Benefit represents a landmark reform of the social protection system and will ensure that people with a strong work history receive a higher payment if they lose their jobs.

• under the new system, there will be three rates of payment
• people with strong work history to receive up to €450 per week if they lose their jobs
• Minister Humphreys: “Pay Related Benefit provides a stronger safety net to the people who get up early in the morning, work hard and contribute to the system”

Read the full press release here.

1 October

Budget 2025 is announced

Budget 2025 provides almost €2.6 billion in a package of measures that will assist people with the cost of living.

Read the full press release here.

23 September

Minister Humphreys launches 2024/25 Fuel Allowance Season

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced the start of the Fuel Allowance scheme for the 2024/25 season.

Fuel Allowance, which is a means-assessed payment, will be paid for 28 weeks to over 400,000 households across the State.

The current rate of payment is €33 every week or two payments of €462 each.

Read the full press release here.

28 August

Minister Humphreys announces changes to the Wage Subsidy Scheme

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.

• Minister publishes review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme
• Review makes recommendations to expand and improve the scheme, including expanding it to employers outside the private sector
• The Minister secured an additional €3.7 million in Budget 2024 to implement some of the review’s recommendations

Read the full press release here.

13 August

Minister Humphreys announces the expansion of Fuel Allowance to people on Employment Support Schemes

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.

Read the full press release here.

9 August

Almost 500 Carers awarded State Pension for the first-time

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

• legislation to provide pension contributions to Long Term Carers took effect in January
• already 1,145 carers have been awarded over 20 years of Long-Term Carers Contributions
• 474 carers over the age 66 are now receiving a pension for the first time as a result of the changes
• carers can apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions online at MyWelfare.ie

Read the full press release here.

8 August

Minister Humphreys urges workers not to miss out on their entitlements under the Treatment Benefit Scheme

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.

• almost 1.2 million benefit from scheme to date in 2024
• funding towards Hearing Aids, Dental Work, Eyesight Checks and Wigs
• scheme about giving back to workers who pay into the system via their PRSI contributions

Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, a person may qualify for:

• Dental benefit – a free annual oral examination and a payment of €42 towards either a scale and polish, or periodontal treatment, once a calendar year. If the cost of either cleaning or periodontal treatment is more than €42, the customer must pay the balance - capped at €15 for a scale and polish. There is no cap on the balance charged for periodontal treatment.
• Optical benefit - free eyesight test every 2 years and an allowance towards glasses, contact lenses medical lenses and repairs.
• Hearing aids - maximum grant of €500 per hearing aid every four years (€1,000 for a pair), also a grant of up to €100 per aid for cost of repairs every four years.
• Hair replacement products / Wigs – maximum grant of €500 per product annually. The payment assists people who have suffered hair loss due to treatment of cancer or certain types of alopecia to purchase a hair replacement product.

Read the full press release here

7 August

Almost 60,000 18-year-olds have received Child Benefit following extension

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.

Read the full press release here.

2 August

Wexford Intreo Centre: Potential disruption to Intreo services due to Fleadh

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.

Wexford Public Services Card (PSC) Service

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.

1 August

Minister Humphreys and Minister O’Gorman announce the extension of paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit to 9 weeks

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.

Read the full press release here.

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

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 .

31 July

Minister Humphreys announces 168 additional Primary Schools approved for Hot School Meals

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.

• an additional 168 Primary Schools across every county to receive Hot School Meals from September 2024
• Hot School Meals grows from small pilot of 30 schools to National Programme now in 2,200 primary schools
• over 345,000 primary school children now eligible to receive Hot Meals
• “My ambition is to complete the roll-out of Hot School Meals to all remaining Primary Schools as part of Budget 2025”– Minister Humphreys

Read the full press release here

30 July

Minister Humphreys launches Work and Access

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:

• Workplace Needs Assessment Grants
• Workplace Adaptations Grants
• Work Equipment Grants of up to €12,000
• Personal Reader funding
• Communication support
• In-Work Support funding
• Disability Equality and Inclusion Training

Read the full press release here

29 July

Changes to Beneficiary of Temporary Protection Payment

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:

• Beneficiary of Temporary Protection Payment (BOTPs) living in a Designated Accommodation Centre (DAC) will be entitled to a net weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child subject to an income test
• BOTPs affected by this decision will be informed of the changes in August
• designation of accommodation centres will be effective from September, and disqualification from the relevant social welfare entitlements will also be effective from September
• approximately 200 centres will be designated.
• BOTPs resident in newly Designated Accommodation Centres will receive their first reduced payment on Thursday 12 September

Further information on these changes can be found here.

Minister Humphreys meets the first user of Ireland’s newly extended Free Travel Pass

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.

Read the full press release here

24 July

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien publish the Review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).

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.

• the review recommends extending the RSS to people engaged in farming or fishing who are not the holder of the herd number or fishing licence but who have a ‘defined’ connection to the farming/fishing enterprise
• and recommends undertaking a pilot scheme whereby 250 ‘Rural Dwellers’ over 50 years of age on a social welfare payment could take part in the scheme
• further recommendations aimed at securing the future viability of the RSS are also included in the report

Read the full press release here.

22 July

August bank holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

19 July

Legislation to reform Ireland’s Civil Registration System enacted

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.

• new reforms to enable families to register births and deaths online for the first time
• changes to support families impacted by the loss of a stillborn baby
• interim Death Certificate to support families where a coroner’s inquest has not concluded

Read the full press release here.

11 July

Minister of State Joe O’Brien publishes the Food Poverty Action Plan

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 –

• Household income is a key factor.
• The signposting of services and supports, and education initiatives, appears to be most successful if communicated via an existing service relationship.
• There is a reliance on the community and voluntary sector, with a call for greater financial, educational and psychological support for both those supporting and those in need.
• There is a need for food nutrition related poverty and associated issues, such as obesity, to be normalised in conversation.
• Education is key and for parents in particular

Read the full press release.

11 July

Minister Humphreys hosts Pre Budget Forum

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.

• Over 60 representative organisations and community groups represented
• A days engagement with stakeholders including workshops and dedicated focus groups

Read the full press release here

10 July

Ministers Humphreys and O'Brien open applications for funding initiative to promote UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

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.

Read the full press release here

Landmark legislation to introduce Pay-Related Benefit in Ireland passed by the Oireachtas

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.

Read the full press release here

8 July

Minister Humphreys announces over 126,000 families to receive Back to School Allowance this week

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.

Read the full press release here

5 July

Minister Humphreys announces additional 5 organisations approved for the WorkAbility Programme

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.

Read the full press release here

1 July

Minister Humphreys opens new Intreo Centre in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan

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:

• Jobseeker and other Income Supports
• Community Welfare Service
• Employment Services
• Social Welfare Inspectors
• Assistance and guidance on accessing the Department’s schemes and services, including its Digital and Online services

Read the full press release here

27 June

Minister Humphreys announces permanent support to Credit Union Small Loan Scheme ‘It Makes Sense’

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).

Read the full press release here

25 June

Lismacaffrey Post Office closure

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.

18 June

Search Room at the General Register Office (GRO)

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.

13 June

Minister Humphreys opens applications for the 2024 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

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.

Read the full press release here

12 June

Minister Humphreys announces significant improvements to Carer’s Allowance means test

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.

Read the full press release here

5 June

Minister Humphreys announces payment of Carer’s Support Grant

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.

• Payment will be issued directly to people’s bank account or Post Office

Read the full press release here

4 June

Minister Humphreys announces implementation of landmark legislation to reform child maintenance system

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.

Read the full press release here

30 May

Minister of State Joe O’Brien hosts the Department of Social Protection’s annual Social Inclusion Forum

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.

Read the full press release here

28 May

Ministers Humphreys and Burke launch Employment and Youth Engagement Charter

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 Workobjectives to engage companies in delivering activities to support people looking to enter or re-enter the workplace.

• charter will support new pathways to employment among young people
• call to Irish employers to provide work experience opportunities for young people and people from disadvantaged groups
• 300 employers to be signed up
• updated Pathways to Work strategy published
• Long Term Unemployment rate now at historic low of 1%

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:

• people with disabilities
• older workers who lost their job later in their career
• people who have spent some time out of the workplace because of caring or childcare responsibilities
• minority groups such as members of the Traveller or Roma communities

Read the full press release here

22 May

June bank holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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 Humphreys addresses Annual Carers’ Forum

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.

Read the full press release here

10 May

Important Notice: Office closures in Cork City

On Monday 13 May the following offices will be closed:

• The Intreo Centre Cork City, Abbey Court House, George's Quay, Cork
• The Cork City Public Services Card (PSC) and Personal Public Service (PPS) Number Centre at Hanover Street

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.

9 May

Minister Humphreys announces New Free Travel Scheme Extension is now open for applications

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.

• free travel available from 29th July for people medically certified as unfit to drive
• up to 32,000 people expected to benefit from this measure in 2024

Read the full press release here

7 May

First Child Benefit payments for 18-year-olds issued today

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.

Read the full press release here

1 May

Minister Humphreys announces Child Benefit to be paid in respect of 18-year-olds from next week

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.

Read the full press release here.

29 April

Minister Humphreys visits Monaghan school to acknowledge rollout of Hot School Meals

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 Mealsas 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.

Read the full press release here

Temporary closure of Shanagarry Post Office

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.

25 April

May bank holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

Alert on fraudulent phone calls

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.

23 April

Ring Post Office closure

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.

19 April

Minister Humphreys welcomes international award for the hair replacement grant under the Treatment Benefit Scheme

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.

Read the full press release here.

18 April

Minister Humphreys announces publication of Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024

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

• the reforms will allow an interim death certificate to be issued to families in cases where a Coroner’s Inquest has not been concluded
• and following consultation with parents and advocacy groups, Minister Humphreys will introduce changes to support families who have experienced a stillbirth

These changes are designed to increase the access to the Register of Stillbirths while still respecting the privacy of their families and loved ones.

Read the full press release here

Minister Humphreys encourages employers and jobseekers to connect at the North West Cross Border Jobs Expo, Letterkenny

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.

Read the full press release here

16 April

Minister Humphreys launches Intreo Work and Skills Events

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 www.gov.ie/WorkandSkills

Read the full press release here

15 April 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister Humphreys announce rollout of Hot School Meals to additional 900 Primary Schools

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.

Read the full press release here

Update on the Green Paper on disability reform: Public consultation to reform disability payments in Ireland

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.

11 April

Update on the technical difficulties with our phone service

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.

9 April

Technical difficulties with our phone service

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.

5 April

Technical difficulties with the phone service resolved

The technical issues with our phone service have now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Technical difficulties with our phone service (now resolved)

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.

Minister Humphreys announces the publication of landmark legislation for the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System

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.

• approximately 800,000 workers to be enrolled into a new retirement savings scheme from January 2025
• for every €3 saved by a worker, a further €4 will be credited to their pension savings account
• new public body, the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority, to be established to administer the system
• Minister Humphreys: ‘This represents one of the biggest reforms of the pension system in the history of the State”

Read the full press release here

2 April

Minister Humphreys announces decrease in hours threshold for the Wage Subsidy Scheme for employees with a disability

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.

• minimum weekly hours threshold for employers to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme reduced from 21 to 15 hours from 1 April
• additional €3.7 million in funding for the Wage Subsidy Scheme as part of Budget 2024

28 March

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over the Easter bank holiday weekend

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.

21 March

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.

You can find full details on how to register and book your place here.

13 March

Minister Humphreys and Minister Joe O’Brien welcome publication of joint OECD, European Commission and Department of Social Protection evaluation of Community Employment and Tús

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.

The full report is available here.

11 March

MyGovID and MyWelfare essential maintenance notice

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.

Public Consultation on Green Paper on Disability Reform extended to July

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.

Read the full press release here.

7 March

Legislation to reform child maintenance system

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.

Read the full press release here

6 March

Technical difficulties with the phone service resolved

The technical difficulties with our phone service have now been resolved. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

St. Patrick’s Day bank holiday payment and signing arrangements 2024

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.

5 March

Technical difficulties with our phone service

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.

Minister Humphreys announces establishment of an Interdepartmental Group to examine means tested payments to family carers

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:

• Family Carers Ireland, in conjunction with the National University of Ireland Maynooth
• National Economic and Social Council
• Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality
• Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands

Read the full press release here

4 March

MyGovID and MyWelfare essential maintenance notice

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.

29 February

Minister Humphreys announces that legislation has passed to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from 1 May

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.

• Child Benefit to be extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability
• legislation passed in the Dáil to introduce the changes from May instead of September
• eligible parents of children who turned 18 after May 2023 will be paid again from May 2024 up to their 19th birthday

Read the full press release here

15 February

Agreed Joint Statement on the Irish Sign Language Voucher Scheme

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.

Read the full press release here

13 February

Minister Humphreys announces extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from May 1st

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.

• Child Benefit to be extended to 18 year-olds in full-time education or with a disability
• families in respect of an additional 60,000 children set to benefit
• Minister Humphreys secures Cabinet approval to introduce the changes from May instead of September

Read the full press release here

12 February

Minister Humphreys meets with Epilepsy Ireland to announce New Free Travel Scheme Extension

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.

• free travel available from July for people medically certified as not fit to drive
• 32,000 people expected to benefit from this measure in 2024

Read the full press release here

29 January

Minister Humphreys announces details of the first ever January bonus

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.

• 1.3 million people to receive a double lump sum payment this week
• €342 million package to support our pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and low income families
• January bonus is the ninth lump sum payment secured under Budget 2024
• Minister Humphreys: This is about supporting households and putting more money back in your pocket

Read the full press release here

25 January

February bank holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

23 January

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.

• Buncrana Intreo Centre
• Dungloe Intreo Centre
• Letterkenny Intreo Centre

23 January

Power has been restored to the Intreo Centres below:

• Belmullet Intreo
• Buncrana Intreo
• Dunfanaghy Intreo

We will continue to update any changes here.

22 January

Intreo Centres closure

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:

• Buncrana Intreo
• Dunfanaghy Intreo
• Belmullet Intreo

We have no information yet as to when power may be restored. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.

18 January

Over 16,000 Lone Parents to benefit from child maintenance reforms – Minister Humphreys

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.

• landmark legislation represents major reform of child maintenance system
• child maintenance payments will be excluded from social welfare means tests
• reforms to benefit over 16,000 lone parents and help reduce child poverty

Read the full press release here

10 January

Cabinet gives approval to draft law for new Pay-Related Jobseeker’s Benefit

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:

• a top rate of a maximum of €450, or 60 per cent of your prior income, for people who have made at least five years PRSI contributions. The €450 rate will be paid for the first three months
• a second rate of a maximum of €375, or 55 per cent of your prior income. This will be paid for the following three months
• a third rate of a maximum of €300, or 50 per cent of your prior income for the final three months

Read the full press release here

3 January

Binghamstown Post Office closure

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.

Minister Humphreys announces major improvements in pensions for carers

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.

Read the full press release here

1 January

Minister Humphreys announces €980 million in new social protection increases to come into effect immediately

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.

• €12 increase in weekly payments – supporting our pensioners, carers and people with disabilities and low income families
• €54 per week increase in Working Family Payment thresholds
• €10 increase in the monthly rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance

Read the full press release here

29 December

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over the New Year weekend

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.

Minister Humphreys announces major Pension Reform to take effect from 1st January

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).

Read the full press release here.

Crosshaven Post Office closure

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.

22 December

Intreo opening hours over the Christmas holidays

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.

22 December

Community Welfare Service emergency contact details over the Christmas holidays

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.

15 December

Minister Humphreys announces dates for Christmas Payments

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.

Read the full press release here.

12 December

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance is available to householders affected by Storm Fergus in Leitrim

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.

Read the full press release here.

6 December

Minister Humphreys announces funding to improve employment opportunities for disabled people

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.

Read the full press release here.

5 December

Minister Humphreys announces additional Primary Schools approved for Hot School Meals

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.

Read the full press release here.

Crosshaven Post Office closure

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.

4 December

Drummartin Post Office temporary closure

Drummartin Post Office will be closed today and tomorrow, 4 and 5 December. Your payment will be available from Stillorgan Post Office.

Minister Humphreys announces details for Double Child Benefit and Christmas Bonus Payments

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.

Read the full press release here.

27 November

Minister Humphreys announces new scheme to enhance pension provision for long-term carers, and €133m in cost-of-living payments

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.

Read the full press release here.

Delay with An Post payments

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.

24 November

Dublin Office Closures

The following Dublin City Centre offices shall close at 3pm today, Friday 24 November:

• Elizabeth O’Farrell House, North Cumberland Street
• Parnell/Kings Inn street Intreo
• D’Olier House
• Gandon House
• Goldsmith House
• ÁMD, Store Street

GPO closure

The GPO (Dublin) is closed this morning, Friday 24 November. It is hoped that it will re-open at 12pm.

21 November

Minister Humphreys secures Cabinet approval for major Social Welfare reforms

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.

Read the full press release here.

20 November

Public Consultation on the National Child Poverty Target

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.

You can read further information here.

Minister Humphreys announces details of three Cost of Living lump sum supports being paid this week

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.

• €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum payment will be paid to 409,000 households throughout the week
• from Wednesday 22 November to Friday 24 November, a €400 disability support grant will be paid to 214,000 people with disabilities who receive Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or the Blind Pension
• Thursday, 23 November, a €400 lump sum Working Family Payment will be paid to 45,000 families

Read the full press release here.

17 November

Minister Humphreys announces new Income Disregard to increase access to UCD’s Cothrom na Féinne Scholarship

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.

Read the full press release here.

14 November

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

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

13 November

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance is available to householders affected by flooding in Galway

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.

Read the full press release here

Storm Debi update

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.

3 November

Community Welfare Services weekend emergency contact details

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.

31 October

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance is available to support those householders affected by flooding in counties Louth and Wexford

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.

Read the full press release here.

Bonniconlon Post Office closure

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.

27 October

Community Welfare Service bank holiday emergency contact details

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.

24 October

Minister Humphreys secures additional funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme and increases to the income limits

Minister Humphreys secures additional funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme and increases to the income limits.

• additional €3 million in funding approved for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
• income limit levels increased giving access to those most in need
• some 223 households in Cork and Waterford supported following Storm Babet

You can read the full press release here.

20 October

October Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

18 October

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Assistance is available to support those householders affected by flooding in Counties Cork and Waterford

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.

Read the full press release here.

17 October

Minister Humphreys announces payment dates for Budget 2024 Cost of Living Lump Sum Supports

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.

Read the full press release here.

An Post saving account delays

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.

10 October

Budget 2024 is announced

Budget 2024 provides almost €2.3 billion in a package of measures that will assist people with the cost of living.

Read the full press release here.

28 September

Temporary Post Office Closure - Stamullen

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.

26 September

Work and Skills Fairs 6-19 October

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.

You can find full details on how to register and book your place here.

25 September

Minister Humphreys launches 2023/24 Fuel Allowance Season

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the start of the National Fuel Allowance Scheme for the 2023/24 Season.

Read the full press release here.

20 September

Green Paper on Disability Reform – A Public Consultation to Reform Disability Payments in Ireland

The public consultation to reform disability payments in Ireland is now open. The submission closing date is Friday 15 December 2023.

You can read further information here.

6 September

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

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 .

5 September

Rural Social Scheme Review - Workshop events in September 2023

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.

Further information can be found here

31 August

Current Vacancies - Deciding Officer Role with Accelerated Learning Path

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.

29 August

Minister Humphreys announces changes to the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme

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.

Read the full press release here.

16 August

Working Family Payment phone numbers

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.

9 August

Minister Humphreys opens applications for New Employment Programme for People with Disabilities

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.

• programme aims to support 5,000 people with disabilities into education and employment
• programme will support national, regional and local organisations that have experience of working with people with disabilities

Read the full press release here.

Minister Humphreys confirms that Humanitarian Aid available to support those affected by severe flooding in County Meath

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.

Read the full press release here.

4 August

Minister Humphreys announces changes in respect of Child Maintenance Payments to support Lone Parents

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.

• child maintenance payments will be excluded from social welfare means tests
• lone parents will no longer need to make efforts to seek maintenance to access social welfare payments
• estimated 16,000 lone parents to benefit
• legislative amendments at advanced stage

Read the full press release here.

28 July

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD open applications for Funding Initiative to promote the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

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.

Read the full press release here.

27 July

August Bank Holiday arrangements and opening hours

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.

26 July

Minister Humphreys and Minister McEntee extend service to support families in mortgage arrears

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.

Read the full press release here.

20 July

Current Vacancies - Principal Officer in Software Engineering

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.

19 July

Minister Humphreys hosts Pre Budget 2024 Forum

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.

You can read the full press release here.

17 July

Kildimo Post Office closure

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.

10 July

Minister Humphreys announces over 131,000 families to receive Enhanced Back to School Allowance this week

• over €72 million to be paid in support of over 131,000 families
• extra €100 per child in response to Cost of Living pressures
• €260 for children aged 4-11; €385 for children aged 12 and over

You can read the full press release here.

7 July

Reminder on fraudulent text messages

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.

28 June

Minister Humphreys opens new Intreo Centre in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

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:

• Jobseeker and other Income Supports
• Community Welfare Service
• Employment Services
• Social Welfare Inspectors
• Public Service Card Services

You can read the full press release here.

23 June

Public Consultation on the Wage Subsidy Scheme Review

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.

16 June

Public Consultation on the Rural Social Scheme Review

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.

13 June

Supports being put in place to assist Tara Mines workers

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.

You can read the full press release here.

8 June

Public Consultation on the Rural Social Scheme Review

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.

8 June

Applications for the 2023 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are now open

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.

You can read the full press release here.

6 June

Additional €100 per child in Child Benefit payments to be paid today

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.

You can read the full press release here.

1 June

Roadmap for Social Inclusion Mid-term Review and consultation submissions published

Information about the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 Mid-term Review has been published and can be found here.

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.

You can read the full press release here.

31 May

Minister Humphreys announces payment of Carer’s Support Grant

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.

You can read the full press release here.

30 May

New pay deal for Supervisors of Employment Support Schemes announced

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:

• Community Employment Programme
• Tús (community work placement initiative)
• Rural Social Scheme
• Job Initiative Scheme

You can read the full press release here.

19 May

June Bank Holiday arrangements and opening hours

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.

17 May

Minister Humphreys addresses Annual Carers’ Forum

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 Annual Carers' Forum 2023 can be viewed online here.
• You can read the full press release here.

12 May

Minister Humphreys seeking expressions of interest in roll-out of Hot School Meals to all Primary Schools

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.

You can read the full press release here.

5 May

Minister Humphreys and Minister Coveney announce lowest levels of unemployment in over 20 years

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.

You can read the full press release here.

2 May

Reforms to Civil Registration System announced

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:

• enable families to register major life events online for first time
• allow registration of a death where a Coroner’s Inquest has not concluded
• lead to improvements to the stillbirth registration process for families who have experienced the loss of a child during pregnancy

You can read the full press release here.

28 April

Cost of living bonus payments paid this week

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.

27 April

Minister Humphreys highlights significant levels of engagement with online Welfare services

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.

• number of online transactions reaches 30 million
• over 10 million transactions on MyWelfare alone since 2015
• department aims to have 90 per cent of services online by 2030
• on average there were over 332,000 Treatment Benefit transactions completed each month in 2022

You can read the full press release here.

26 April

Cost of living bonus payments to be paid this week

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:

• the normal weekly payment and
• a separate payment for the cost of living bonus

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:

• An Post’s household budget (which is a facility that allows post office customers to have deductions made from their social welfare payments to pay utility bills, local authority rents and credit union loans)
• overpayment deductions

25 April

May Bank Holiday arrangements and opening hours

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.

24 April

Construction Work and Skills Week 2023

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.

You can find information on the events arranged according to Region and Date here.

20 April

Update

MyGovID has now resolved the issue. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

MyGovID technical issue with mobile phone codes

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.

18 April

Alert on scam text messages

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.

12 April

Update

The essential maintenance on MyGovID.ie and MyWelfare.ie has now been completed.

MyGovID and MyWelfare essential maintenance notice

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.

7 April

Minister Humphreys announces payment details for €200 cost of living lump sum payment

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.

6 April

Public Consultation on Important Changes to Social Welfare Appeals Regulations

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.

6 April

Minister Humphreys announces new changes to Domiciliary Care Allowance in support of children in hospital

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed new regulations that will ensure Domiciliary Care Allowanceis paid in respect of children who remain in hospital following their birth.

• domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment to support families of children with a severe illness or disability
• up until now, Domiciliary Care Allowance has been paid only in respect of children who are being cared for at home or who are subsequently admitted to hospital. As a result of the changes announced by the Minister today, however, a child who remains in hospital after their birth will now qualify for the first time
• it is estimated around 100 children and their families will benefit each year as a result of the Minister’s changes

You can read the full press release here.

3 April

Apply for Additional Needs Payments online

You can now apply for an Additional Needs Payment online at MyWelfare.ie

30 March

Minister Humphreys announces plans for roll-out of Hot School Meals to all Primary Schools

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.

• new report details hugely positive impact of school meals on children’s education and wellbeing
• evaluation recommends making hot school meals universal by 2030
• hot school meals to be extended to all DEIS primary schools from September
• phased roll-out to all non-DEIS primary schools to commence in 2024; Expression of Interest process to be launched in coming weeks
• school meal rates for providers to be increased

You can read the full press release here.

28 March

Easter Payment Arrangements

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. Full details of opening hours.

You can find more information on Easter Payment Arrangements 2023 and opening hours here.

27 March

Current vacancies - Medical Assessor

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.

22 March

New measures to support Community Employment Schemes nationwide

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.

Read the full press release here

20 March

Current vacancies - Temporary Clerical Officer Positions Donegal

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.

Further information can be found on our Career’s page here.

20 March

Technical issues resolved

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.

Technical difficulties with phone service

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.

3 March

March St. Patrick’s Day Public Holiday arrangements and opening hours

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.

27 February

Public Consultation on Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers closing on Tuesday 28 February 2023

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.

21 February

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today announced details of a €410 million social welfare package to support families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

• €200 cost of living payment to long-term social welfare recipients, including those receiving the Working Family Payment (WFP)
• €100 Child Benefit additional lump sum payment per child
• €100 one-off increase in the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
• Continued roll out of the Hot School Meals Programme

Read further information here.

17 February

Public Consultation on the Pathways to Work 2021 – 2025 Strategy

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.

26 January

February Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

25 January

Social welfare payment expiration periods in the post office returning to pre-Covid durations

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:

If you are unable to collect your payment at the post office, please contact your Intreo Centre or Branch Office.

24 January

Public event on Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers Consultation

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.

• Date Friday 10 February 2023
• Time Registration from 9am, Event from 9.30am - 1pm
• Location Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40

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.

23 January

Public Consultation on the development of the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2026 opened

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.

18 January

Kevin Street Post Office

Kevin Street Post Office is closing on Friday 20 January 2023. You can get your social welfare payment at St Andrew Street Post Office

12 January

Suspected social welfare fraud online form

A new online form for reporting suspected social welfare fraud is now live.

Anonymous reports are accepted by accessing this link.

More information is available here.

23 December

Christmas payment dates and office opening hours

More information about Christmas and New Year social welfare payment dates are available here.

All department offices, including Intreo Centres and Branch Offices, will be closed on Monday 26, Tuesday 27 December 2022 and Monday 2 January 2023.

22 December

Technical issues resolved

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.

Technical difficulties with phone service

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

21 December

Update

The essential maintenance carried out on MyGovID is now complete.

Customers can once again create a basic MyGovID account online.

Online Government Services - MyGovID Essential Maintenance Notice for Basic MyGovID Account

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.

16 December

Enactment of the Social Welfare Bill 2022

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.

Read the full press release here.

15 December

Increased earnings disregards for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension

Minister Humphreys announces increased earnings disregards for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension.

Read the full press release here.

13 December

Pathways to Work Progress Report (July 2021 – June 2022)

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.

Read the full press release here.

12 December

€700,000 to support Family Carers

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding of almost €700,000 to support Family Carers across the country.

Read the full press release here.

7 December

Public Consultation on Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers opened

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.

5 December

Expanded Fuel Allowance Scheme is now open for applications

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.

Read the full press release here.

2 December

Christmas Bonus extended to long term Illness Benefit recipients

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.

Read the full press release here.

30 November

Scheme to support families in mortgage arrears extended

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.

Read the full press release here.

24 November

Update on phone service technical difficulties

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.

24 November

Christmas and New Year payment dates

Information on social welfare Christmas and New Year payment arrangements and the Christmas Bonus is now available. Details of all payment arrangements for this period are here.

24 November

Phone service technical difficulties

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.

21 November

Carers Cost of Living Lump Sum to be paid this week

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.

Read the full press release here.

16 November

Report of the Child Maintenance Review Group published

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.

Read the full press release here.

15 November

Ministers Humphreys and McGrath announce details of 4 Cost of Living Lump Sum Supports to be paid this week

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.

• Total of €325 million to be paid to 865,000 people
• Older People, Working Families and People with Disabilities to benefit
• €400 Fuel Allowance lump sum payment
• €500 cost of living payment to those in receipt of Working Family Payment
• €500 Disability Support Grant
• €200 payment to people in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance

Read the full press release here

11 November

Ulster Bank closure update

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.

20 October

October Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

30 September

Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 has closed

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.

27 September

Budget 2023 is announced

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.

21 September

The Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 is closing soon

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.

24 August

The Local Employment Service is changing

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.

16 August

Supports for householders affected by severe flooding in Wexford

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:

• Phone: 0818 607080
• Email: cwswexford@welfare.ie

Find out more in the press release here.

8 August

Alert on scam phone calls and scam text messages

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 .

21 July

August Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

18 July

Ulster Bank and KBC Bank are moving out of the Irish banking market

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.

Find out more about updating your details here.

12 July

Domiciliary Care Allowance phone number changed

Please note that with effect from 12 July the new number for Domiciliary Care Allowance is 0818 927770.

7 July

Working Family Payment phone number changed

Please note that with effect from 11 July the new number for all Working Family Payment queries is 074 9164575.

5 July

Initiatives to assist families with Back to School costs announced

The government has announced measures designed to help families with school-going children returning to school in September. These measures are:

• The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is being increased by €100 for each eligible child under the scheme. The amount being paid for each eligible child aged 4–11 years will be €260 and the rate payable for each eligible child aged 12 and over will be €385.
• The School Meals Scheme is being extended to an additional 310 schools.
• The Department of Education has announced that students availing of the school transport scheme will not be charged fees for the academic year 2022/23.

These are temporary measures for the current school year only.

Find out more about these measures in the press release here.

1 July

Parent’s Leave and Benefit extended to 7 weeks

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.

Find out more about these measures in the press release here.

29 June

Community Employment, Tús, Rural Social Scheme reforms and Ex-Gratia Payment for CE Supervisors launched

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.

Find out more about these changes in the press release here.

22 June

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance open for new applications

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.

Find out more about the 2022 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in the press release here.

7 June

Processing issue delays small number of payments

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.

1 June

The COVID-19 Part Time Job Incentive for the Self-Employed Scheme (PTSE) is now closed

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.

30 May

June Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

30 May

Changes to the Treatment Benefit Scheme to assist young people

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.

Read the full press release here.

16 May

€100 Additional Fuel Allowance Payment

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.

3 May

Update on accessing social welfare payments for customers in Bettystown

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.

3 May

New Redundancy Calculator launched

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.

29 April

May Bank Holiday payment arrangements and opening hours

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.

25 April

Increased measures in support of families of hospitalised children

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.

Read the full press release here.

19 April

The technical difficulties with our phone lines have now been resolved and there should be no problems getting through to our services.

14 April

Ukraine Support Centres Good Friday opening hours

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.

• Cork - Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Department of Social Protection, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62
• Dublin - Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 XH90
• Limerick - Dominick Street, Limerick, V94 X327

Read further details on Ukraine supports.

14 April

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.

8 April

A technical review of the Farm Assist Schemehas 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.

6 April

Good Friday, 15 April, and Easter Monday, 18 April, payment arrangements

Your social welfare payment date may change over the Easter holiday period.

31 March

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.

29 March

Minister Humphreys announces details of Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System. Read the full press release here.

22 March

From 23 March, a new Ukraine Support Centre in Limerick is open in addition to the Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin and Cork City.

More information on getting government supports for Ukraine.

17 March

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:

• Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62
• Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 XH90

They will be open on:

• Friday 18 March - 9.15am to 3pm
• Saturday 19 March - 9.15am to 3pm

From Monday 21 March, opening hours will be:

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:

• Dundalk Intreo Centre will be open on Saturday 19 March from 9.15am to 3pm
• Ennis Intreo Centre will be open on Friday 18 March from 9.15am to 3pm
• Galway City Intreo Centre will be open on Friday 18 March from 9.15am to 3pm
• Tullamore Intreo Centre will be open on Friday 18 March from 9.15am to 3pm

11 March

St Patrick’s Day and 18 March Payment Arrangements

Your social welfare payment date may change over the March bank holiday period.

8 March

Additional payment of €125.00 Fuel Allowance during 2021/22 season

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.

See more information on the Fuel Allowance

8 March

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.

7 March

Social Welfare supports for those arriving from Ukraine under the EU Temporary Protection Directive are available. See further information.

3 March

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.

28 February

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.

17 February

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.

Contact details of all our offices are available here.

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.

16 February

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.

For more information, visit www.gov.ie/enp

22 January

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.

19 January

Update on Enhanced Illness Benefit Processing Times:

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).