Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

Note: Stage 1 applications for Storm Éowyn will continue to be accepted until close of business on Friday 25 April 2025.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides income tested financial assistance to households affected by a severe weather event. It is administered by the Community Welfare Service.

The scheme aims to lighten the hardship rather than provide full compensation for damage.

The scheme may cover:

• emergency support payments, such as food, clothing and personal items
• damage to your home and its essential contents, such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding
• structural damage

The scheme does not cover:

• losses covered by an insurance policy
• loss of items deemed to be inessential or luxury items
• commercial, agricultural or business losses
• structural loss or damage to rented accommodation
• any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the primary residence
• repair or replacement of motor vehicles

In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:

• Stage 1 provides emergency support payments (food/clothing/personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event
• Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items
• Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting

Income limits for the scheme are:

• €50,000 for a single person
• €90,000 for a couple
• €15,000 per dependent child

Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where your household income is above the limits.

Payments are based on an income test on all your household income, which measures your household’s ability to meet the costs of restoring your home to a liveable condition.

Income limits do not apply to payments made under Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

For assistance with the costs of essential needs such as food, clothing, and personal items, please complete the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, Emergency Payment Stage 1 (HAS1) application form.

For assistance with the replacement of household goods and/or the repair of structural damage, please complete the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS2) application form. Application for assistance with structural repair should be made by the registered owner of the property.

The rate of payment depends on the extent of the damage and your ability to meet the cost of repairs.

You can apply through Community Welfare Services. Learn how to access Community Welfare Services here.

Application forms are available to download here or from your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.

Depending on your claim, you may also need to provide:

• evidence of household income (for example, pay slips)
• a copy of your insurance policy
• two itemised quotations for cost of structural repairs (building contractor, trades person etc)*
• estimates for replacement cost of household items*
• paid invoices or receipts*
• any other information which may support your claim
• All quotations/estimates/invoices/receipts must be from registered providers.