How to Apply

The quickest and easiest way to apply is to use the Payment Scheme Online Portal.

If you would prefer to apply by post, you can find further information on the How to apply to the Payment Scheme.

Information on the steps in the application process.Information on the steps in the application process.

You can only make one application to the Payment Scheme. You should include information on all periods of time spent in a scheduled institution, as a mother or child or both.

If you are living abroad and think that you may be eligible for this Scheme, you can apply in the same way as someone living in Ireland – that is via the online portal or by post, if you’d prefer to use a paper form. Further information is available here.

Regardless of where you are living, the financial payments from this Scheme are awarded in the same way.

In terms of health supports, the services available through the enhanced medical card cannot be availed of outside of Ireland. So, if you live abroad, you can apply for a health support payment valued at €3,000, instead of the enhanced medical card.

Generally speaking, applicants will be prioritised by age and applications will be processed in age order. We also prioritise applicants who have a terminal illness.

If you are experiencing difficulty with any aspect of the portal, please contact the call centre and we will assist you at 01 5229992.

If your issue is with the process or uploading documents, you can also use the “ask a question” facility on the discussion board within the portal.

The phone number for the call centre is not a freephone number. However, if you ring the call centre and would like us to call you back, please say so and we will be happy to do this.