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How to apply to the Payment Scheme
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
The quickest and easiest way to apply to the Payment Scheme is through the Payment Scheme online portal.
If you would prefer to use a paper version of the form, you can:
If you’re in Ireland, you can also find the form at your local library or Citizens Information Centre.
If you live outside of Ireland and do not wish to use the online portal, you can call +353 1 522 9992 or contact your local Embassy or Consulate to receive a paper copy of the form. You can find a list of embassies and consulates on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
The application process is straightforward and information and supports are available to assist with the application process.
There is no need to engage a solicitor in order to apply to the Payment Scheme.
For further information on each type of application see our FAQs.
You can fill in the application form on your own behalf, including with assistance from a Decision-Making Assistant or Co-Decision Maker (if you have a formal arrangement in place which covers this Payment Scheme).
You can fill in the application form as a support person who has a formal arrangement in place to act on behalf of someone who may be eligible for the Payment Scheme. These formal arrangements are:
You can fill in the application form as a personal representative, on behalf of the estate of a deceased person who died on or after 13 January 2021, which is the date of the Taoiseach’s apology to survivors and former residents.
Further information on these scenarios is explained in detail in the Payment Scheme Information Booklet. You can find this booklet at the links below:
You can make one application to the Payment Scheme only. You should include information on all periods of time spent in a scheduled institution, as a mother or child or both.
On your application, you’ll need to include some basic information, like contact details, and you’ll be asked to indicate which benefits you’re applying for.
In addition, you’ll need to confirm that you (or the person you are applying for) spent time in a scheduled institution and include the name of the institution(s).
You will also be asked to provide an indication, or your best estimate, of the dates of arrival to and departure from the institution(s). We understand that not everyone will know the exact arrival and departure dates from the institution(s) concerned, so if this is the case, and you can only provide an estimate, don’t worry.
You do not need to include any records showing time spent in an institution, however if you do have institutional records in your possession and wish to include these with your application, please do so. Everyone applying to the Scheme will need to include a certified form of valid photo identification (passport, driving licence or Public Services Card/National Security Card).
A certified copy of an original document is a photocopy that has been signed by an authorised person. For information on who can certify your ID, take a look at our Certification of documents page.
You will also need to include additional documentation with your application in certain circumstances, for example:
Further information on these scenarios is explained in detail in the Payment Scheme Information Booklet. You can find this booklet at the links below:
If you have any questions on this, please contact the Payment Scheme Office.