Benefits and entitlements for families

If you are on a low income and you are caring for a child with cancer, you may be eligible for either Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit. Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested weekly payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 

To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, the person you are caring for must be:

• Over the age of 16 and require full-time care and attention 

Or

• Aged under 16 and getting Domiciliary Care Allowance

What is the rate of payment?

Carer’s Allowance is for those on a low income caring for someone who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). It is a means-tested weekly from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

If you are on a low income and you are caring for someone who needs support due to their cancer, you may be eligible for either Carer’s Allowance or Carer's Benefit. 

What is the rate of payment?

If you are single, widowed or separated, you may claim a full-rate increase in your payment for a child dependant.
If you are a carer and living with your spouse or partner, you may claim a half-rate increase in your payment for a child dependant. 

If you are receiving Carer’s Allowance, you may also be entitled to:

• Household Benefits Package
• Free Travel Pass
• Carer’s Support Grant

Who can apply?

To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you must:

• Live with and care for or be in a position to provide full-time care to a person in need of care who does not normally live in an institution. However, you may continue to be regarded as providing full-time care if your child is undergoing treatment in hospital for a period not longer than 13 weeks. 
• Meet the habitual residence condition - this means that you have lived in Ireland for some time and intend to stay in Ireland for the foreseeable future
• Not live in a hospital, convalescent home or other similar institution
• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be engaged in work, volunteering, training or education courses outside the home for more than 18.5 hours a week
• Show that your income is below a certain level (means test)

How do I apply?

You should apply for Carer’s Allowance as soon as possible. 

You can apply by filling out a CR1 application form, which is available on the Department of Social Protection website.

With your application you must include a doctor’s medical report that is also signed by the person you will be caring for. If your child is under 16 and receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), you will not need the medical report. 

Return your application, with the relevant supporting documentation, to:

Social Welfare Services Office
Government Buildings
Ballinalee Road
Longford, N39 E4E0

OR

You can visit your local Social Welfare Office or Intreo Centre to complete and submit an application.

The information above is an overview of Carers Allowance. For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Carer’s Benefit is a weekly payment for full-time carers of people with cancer and other illnesses from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 

It is for people who pay PRSI and have had to leave the workforce to care for someone who is in need of full-time care. 

You can get Carer’s Benefit for a total period of 104 weeks for each person being cared for. This can be claimed as a single continuous period or in any number of separate periods up to a total of 104 weeks. However, if you claim Carer’s Benefit for less than six consecutive weeks in any given period, you must wait for a further six weeks before you can claim Carer’s Benefit to care for the same person again. 

What is the rate of payment?

Carer’s Benefit rates 

Child Dependants

You can claim an increase for a child if they are under 18, normally live with you and are maintained by you. If the child is in full-time education at a recognized school or college, this increase may be payable until the end of the academic year in which the child reaches 22. If you are single, widowed or separated, you may claim a full-rate increase in your payment for a child dependant. If you are a carer and living with your spouse or partner, you may claim a half-rate increase in your payment for a child dependant if you partner has an income of less than €400 per week. 

If you are getting Carer’s Benefit, you may also be entitled to:

• A GP Visit Card 
• Carer’s Support Grant

Who can apply?

To qualify for Carer’s Benefit, you must:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Have been employed (minimum of 16 hours per week or 32 hours per fortnight) for at least 8 weeks in the previous 26-week period and left work in order to be a full-time carer 
• Meet the PRSI contribution conditions
• Be able to provide medical certification for the person being cared for unless your child receives Domiciliary Care Allowance. 
• Not take part in employment, self-employment, training or education courses outside the home for more than 18.5 hours a week. The maximum you can earn is €332.50 net per week. 

Julie (38) is a teacher and her son, Eoin (12), has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Julie has decided to take Carer’s Leave from work to take care of Eoin.  As she has been working in the same school for several years, she has enough PRSI contributions to apply for Carer’s Benefit. Julie should apply for Carer’s Benefit 10 weeks before she leaves work. She will need her employer’s signature. Julie may qualify for Carer’s Benefit for up to 104 weeks. 

How do I apply?

It is recommended that you apply for Carer’s Benefit 10 weeks before you leave work.

To apply, visit the Department of Social Protection website to download and complete form CARB1. You will need your employer’s signature and a medical report from your child’s doctor unless they are receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance. 

Return the application form, and the relevant supporting documentation, to: 

Carer’s Benefit Section
Social Welfare Services Office
Government Buildings 
Ballinalee Road
Co. Longford

Or

You can visit your local Social Welfare Office or Intreo Centre to complete and submit an application. 

The information above is an overview of Carers Benefit.

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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The Carer’s Support Grant (formerly Respite Care Grant) is an annual payment made to carers by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

If you care for someone with cancer and are in receipt of Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, then you will automatically receive a Carer’s Support Grant.

Carers can use the grant in whatever way they wish. You can use the grant to pay for respite care if you wish, but you do not have to do so.

What is the rate of payment?

A Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 (June 2021) is paid once each year, usually on the first Thursday in June, for each person you are caring for. It is not taxable.

Who can apply?

The grant is paid automatically to people getting Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance.
It can also be paid to certain other carers. To qualify, you must be:

• Aged 16 or over
• Ordinarily resident in Ireland
• Living with the person being cared for or, if not, be contactable quickly by a direct system of communication (for example, telephone or alarm)
• Caring for the person on a full-time basis
• Caring for the person for at least 6 months
• During this 6-month caring period, you cannot:
• Work more than 18.5 hours per week outside the home
• Take part in an education or training course for more than 18.5 hours a week
• Get Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit
• Sign on for credited contributions

or

• Live in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution

If you are caring for more than one person, a grant is paid for each of them.

Monica (45) has been caring for her 8 year old daughter who has leukaemia. She has been receiving Carer’s Benefit, as she left her job to care for her full-time for over 8 months. As a recipient of Carer’s Benefit, she will automatically receive the Carer’s Support Grant in June. 

If you are getting Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you do not need to apply for the Carer's Support Grant. It will be automatically paid to you in June.

If you are not getting one of the above payments, you can visit the Department’s website to download and complete an application form CSG1.

OR

You can visit your local Social Welfare Office or Intreo Centre to complete and submit an application.

The information above is an overview of the Carers Support Grant
For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a non-means-tested monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Non-means-tested means your income will not affect whether or not you qualify for the payment. 

A child under the age of 16 with cancer may be entitled to Domiciliary Care Allowance. A medical social worker at your child’s treating hospital may be able to provide more information about this. You may also be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance if you have a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.

What is the rate of payment?

The Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) rate is €309.50 per month for up to six months.

If you are caring for more than one child who qualifies for DCA, you can claim a DCA payment for each child.

If your child is receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance, you may also be entitled to:

• A non-means-tested medical card for your child 
• Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance 
• Carer’s Support Grant

Who can apply?

To qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance, your child must have a severe disability that is likely to last for at least 1 year and:

• Be aged under 16 (at 16, the child can apply for a Disability Allowance)
• Live at home with the person claiming the allowance for 5 or more days a week
• Meet the medical criteria
• Be ordinarily resident in the State

How do I apply?

To apply, visit the Department of Social Protection website to download and complete a Domiciliary Care Allowance form (DOM CARE 1).

You can also get an application form by texting “FORM DCA” followed by your name and address to 51909 (standard text rates apply). 

Return the application form, and relevant supporting documentation, to:

Domiciliary Care Allowance
Social Welfare Services Office
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
College Road
Sligo

OR

You can visit your local Social Welfare Office or Intreo Centre  to complete and submit an application.

The information above is an overview of Domiciliary Care Allowance

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps families to meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.

The BTSCFA scheme is open for applications between June and September.

The BTSCFA is paid automatically to many families in. If you are paid automatically, you don’t need to apply. You will get a letter to let you know that you will be paid automatically.

Who can apply?

You may qualify for the BTSCFA if you are:

• Getting a social welfare payment including Working Family Payment, Back to Work Family Dividend or COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. 
• Taking part in a back to work scheme
• Taking part in a recognized education or training course

Your child must be aged between 4-17 on 30 September. If they are aged between 18-22, they must be in full-time education. 

What is the rate of payment?

How do I apply?

If you do not receive a letter by June confirming that you will receive the BTSCFA, you must apply online using www.MyWelfare.ie 

If you cannot apply online, contact the BTSCFA section on 071.91.93318 or 0818.11.11.13

The closing date for applications is September each year . 

The information above is an overview of the Back to School Allowance Scheme
For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to avail of statutory leave from work to look after them. 

The following types of statutory leave are available to parents:

Parent’s Leave

Parent’s Leave entitles each parent to 5 weeks’ leave during the first 2 years of a child’s life or within 2 years of the adoption of a child. 

Each parent is entitled to 5 weeks paid parent’s leave for a child born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019. 

You may also qualify for a payment called Parent’s Benefit during parent’s leave if you are employed or self-employed and have enough PRSI contributions. If you qualify for Parent’s Benefit, you will get €250 each week. 

You can take 5 weeks parents leave at once or 5 separate weeks of leave. Each parent is entitled to Parent’s Benefit during parent’s leave. You must give six weeks’ notice to your employer. 

More information on Parent’s Leave is available from Citizen’s Information. 

Parental Leave

Parental leave entitles parents to take unpaid leave from work to spend time looking after their children. You can take up to 26 weeks’ parental leave for each eligible child before their 12th birthday. 

If your child has a long-term illness or a disability, you can take parental leave until they are 16 years of age. 

In general, you must have been working for your employer for at least a year to get the full amount of parental leave. You must give your employer at least 6 weeks’ notice before taking parental leave. Your employer can only refuse parental leave if you are not entitled to take it. 

To apply for Parental Leave you must:

• Inform your employer in writing at least 6 weeks before the leave is due to start. Include the start date, the manner in which the leave will be taken and the duration of the leave
• Sign a confirmation document with your employer confirming the details of your parental leave at least 4 weeks before the leave is due to start. 

You can take this leave as:

• One continuous block of 26 weeks
• 2 separate blocks of a minimum of 6 weeks each
• If your employer consents, broken into working days and/or hours

More information on Parental Leave is available from Citizen’s Information. 

Carer’s Leave

Carer’s Leave allows employees to leave work temporarily to provide full-time care for someone who needs it. You can take Carer’s Leave for a minimum of 13 weeks up to a maximum of 104 weeks. 

Carer’s Leave from employment is unpaid, but your job will be kept open for you when you return and you can apply for Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.

You must have worked for your employer for 12 months and you must give your employer at least 6 weeks’ notice that you intend to take Carer’s Leave. 

You can apply to take Carer’s Leave in one continuous period of up to 104 weeks or for a number of shorter periods that add up to a maximum of 104 weeks. If you are taking Carer’s Leave in shorter periods, you must return to work for at least 6 weeks between leave periods. 

You can work for up to 18.5 hours a week while you are Carer’s Leave as long as you earn less than €332.50 take home pay per week. You can also attend a training or educational course or do voluntary work for a maximum of 18.5 hours per week. 

How do I apply?

Apply to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) by completing the application form for Carer’s Benefit.

The GP of the person you are caring for and your employer must also complete part of the form.

The DSP will decide whether or not the person needs full-time care, following the advice of the GP and they will decide whether you qualify for Carer’s Benefit.

Apply to your employer 6 weeks before you plan to take Carer’s Leave. In your notice you must state:

• You wish to take Carer’s Leave under the Carer’s Leave Act 2001
• The date you want to start the Carer’s Leave
• The way in which you want to take the leave (one block or a series of shorter blocks)
• You have asked DSP to confirm that the person you will be caring for needs this care.

You and your employer must sign a document confirming the arrangement for Carer’s Leave at least 2 weeks before you begin the leave. This document must include:

• The date when you wish to start Carer’s Leave
• How long it will last
• How you will take it (one block or in more than one block)

More information on Carer’s Leave is available from Citizen’s Information. 

Force Majeure Leave

If you have a family crisis, you have a limited right to leave from work known as Force Majeure Leave. You can take it if your presence is indispensable owing to illness or injury of a close family member. 

The maximum amount of leave is 3 days in any 12-month period or 5 days in a 36-month period. You are entitled to be paid during Force Majeure Leave.

You must notify your employer as soon as possible that you need to avail of Force Majeure Leave. Immediately on your return to work, you must make your application in writing to your employer. You application should include:

• Your name
• PPS number
• Employer’s name and address
• Date(s) on which you took Force Majeure Leave and reasons why
• Your relationship to the person who was ill or injured

More information on Force Majeure Leave is available from Citizens Information.

The information above is an overview of the types of leave available to parents

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a means-tested payment for men and women under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.

If you are the main carer of at least one child under the age of 7, you may qualify for OFP if you meet certain conditions (see below). 

There are some exceptions to the child’s age limit which may be relevant if your family is affected by cancer (see below). 

Who can apply?

To qualify for One-Parent Family Payment, you must:

• Be under 66
• Be the parent, step-parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 7. 
• Be the main carer of at least one child under the age of 7. The child must live with you. You cannot get One-Parent Family Payment if you have joint equal custody of a child or children
• Satisfy a means test. A means test looks at your income to see if it is below a certain level.
• Not be living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant
• Meet the habitual residence condition - this means that you have lived in Ireland for some time and intend to stay in Ireland for the foreseeable future.
• Be living apart from your previous partner for at least three months before you apply for One-Parent Family Payment following separation, divorce or the dissolving of a civil partnership. You may be required to make efforts to seek maintenance payments from your former partner

What is the rate of payment?

Exceptions to the age limit

Domiciliary Care Allowance - If you are getting Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) for a child, you can apply for or continue to claim One Parent Family Payment on behalf of that child until the child reaches 16 or DCA stops. 

Carer’s Allowance - If you are currently getting One Parent Family Payment (OFP) and providing full-time care, you can keep your OFP and claim half-rate Carer’s Allowance, provided that your youngest child is under 16 years. 

Death of a spouse or partner - If you are a new claimant and you are parenting alone because of the death of your spouse or partner, you may get One Parent Family Payment for 2 years from the date of death, provided that your youngest child is under 18. 

How do I apply?

Visit your local Social Welfare or Intreo office to complete and submit an application Form OFP 1. 

OR

Download and complete Form OFP 1 which is available on the Department of Social Protection website. 

You should send your application form along with any relevant supporting documentation to your local Social Welfare of Intreo Office.  

The information above is an overview of the One-Parent Family Payment.
 

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs and those of their families. This is a means-tested payment. 

Families who have been affected by cancer and whose income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for their family size, may qualify for the Supplementary Welfare Allowance. 

What is the rate of payment?

Supplementary Welfare Allowance rates:

*The rate of €201 for people aged under 25 is only for people living independently and getting a state housing support such as Rent Supplement, Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

Who can apply?

If you have no income or your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, a payment may be made to bring your income up to the appropriate Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate. 

If you have claimed for a social welfare benefit or pension but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may qualify for the allowance while waiting for the payment. However, the amount paid while you are waiting will be deducted from the arrears of your social welfare payment. 

You may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance if you:

• Are living in the State and satisfy the habitual residence condition
• Pass the means test
• Have applied for any other benefit or allowance you may be entitled to
• Have registered for work with your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare office, if you are of working age

How do I apply?

You can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. This can be done at your local Social Welfare office or Intreo Centre as soon as the need arises. 

You will need to fill in the SWA1 claim form and supply the following:

• PPS numbers for yourself, your spouse/partner and your children
• Proof of where you live, e.g. a household bill
• Proof of your identity
• Evidence of any household income
• Birth certificates for any children you include in your application
• Documents to show your income and financial situation, such as, pay slips, tax and bank statements

The information above is an overview of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Detailed information on claiming tax relief on additional healthcare expenses for a child is available from the Revenue website.

You can claim tax relief for additional health expenses and if the healthcare is for a child. Additional healthcare expenses are things such as overnight accommodation and travel that you may have to pay for when your child is ill. You can claim for a child under 18, or over 18 if they are in full-time education. 

Additional healthcare expenses for children with cancer qualify for this relief. 

Overnight accommodation

You can claim relief on the cost of overnight accommodation if you are the parents or guardians of the child. To qualify, your overnight stay must be necessary for your child’s treatment. The accommodation must be near the hospital where your child is being treated. 

Travel

You may claim relief for the cost of transporting your child to and from hospital. You may also claim for transport to visit your child, if this is essential to the child’s treatment. You must have proof that these visits are necessary. You cannot claim relief for car parking fees. 

Travelling abroad

If your child needs to travel abroad for healthcare that is not available in Ireland, you can claim tax relief for the cost of healthcare, reasonable accommodation and travel expenses for the child and a parent accompanying the child. 

Other expenses

You can also claim tax relief on the following expenses related to your child’s healthcare:

• Telephone rental and call expenses
• Hygiene products and special clothing 

How to claim

To claim these health expenses, you will need to complete your tax return form.

You can only claim relief on health expenses after the year has ended. You can claim relief on the last four year’s health expenses. 

It is important to keep receipts of your expenses in order to claim tax relief. If you have private health insurance, you can claim tax relief on the portion of medical expenses not covered by your insurer.

PAYE taxpayer

If you are a PAYE taxpayer, you can use the Revenue online MyAccount service to complete an Income Tax Return or you can contact the Revenue office.

Detailed information is available from the Revenue website. 

If you are jointly assessed, it is the assessable spouse or nominated civil partner who needs to apply.

The majority of people who claim this relief online receive their tax refund, if due, in five working days.

Self-Assessed taxpayer

If you are self-assessed, sign into ROS and complete the health expenses section on your annual Income Tax Return (Form 11).

Remember, any claim must be made within 4 years of the end of the tax year that you had the additional healthcare expenses you’re claiming for. 

The above is an overview only. You are advised to visit Revenue.ie for more detailed information before making a claim. 

You can also ask your medical social worker or local Citizens Information Centre for more advice. 

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Working Family Payment (WFP) (formerly known as Family Income Supplement) gives extra financial support to employees on low pay who have children. It is a weekly tax-free payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

What is the rate of payment?

The Working Family Payment you receive is 60% of the difference between your average weekly family income and the income limit that applies to your family. 

If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, the combined financial income of both people is taken into account.

The threshold will increase by €10 across all family sizes on 1 April 2022.

Who can apply?

If you have children and you or a family member has cancer and are receiving low pay, you may be eligible for WFP. 

You must be an employee to qualify for WFP and you cannot qualify if you are self-employed.

You must have at least one child who normally lives with you or whom you support financially. Your child must be under 18 (or under 22 if in full-time education). 

You must be working 38 hours or more per fortnight. You can combine hours worked with your spouse or partner to meet this condition. 

To qualify, your weekly income must be below a certain amount for your family size:

Marie and Donal have four children. Their 15 year old son has been diagnosed with cancer and both Marie and Donal have cut back on work to care for him. Their income has fallen to €600 per week after tax, PRSI and USC. As their income is under the weekly income limit for a family with four children, they can apply for the Working Family Payment. They may qualify for 60% of the difference between their income of €600 and the income limit of €834, which would be a payment €140.40 per week. 

WFP is paid for one year (52 weeks) as long as you meet the conditions. It does not change if your earnings from work go up or down during that year. After 52 weeks, you can apply again for WFP.

If you are getting WFP, you may also be entitled to Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

The Back to Work Family Dividend and WFP can be paid together. If you are parenting alone, you may be entitled to WFP in addition to your One-Parent Family Payment or Widow’s/Widower’s Contributory Pension. 

How do I apply?

Visit your local Social Welfare or Intreo office to complete and submit an application
OR
Fill out Form WFP1, which you can download from the Department of Social Protection website. 

Send your completed application form along with relevant supporting documentation to:

WFP Renewal Section
Government Buildings
Ballinalee Road
Longford, N39 E4E0

The information above is an overview of the Working Family Payment

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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A Housing Adaptation Grant is available from local authorities if you need to make changes and adaptations to your home to make it suitable for a child with a disability to live in. 

For example, making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or a stair-lift. In some cases, provision for heating can be included, but only under certain conditions. 

How do I qualify for a Housing Adaptation Grant?

Your application will be prioritised based on medical need. The more unwell the patient, the higher the priority.

The grant is means tested. The grant is available to households whose gross annual household income does not exceed €60,000. 

Your total household income will be assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and the amount payable. You must also prove that you have paid the local property tax, if you are a homeowner. 

The grant can be paid to people in:

• Owner-occupied housing
• Houses being purchased from a local authority under the Tenant Purchase Scheme
• Private rented accommodation 
• Accommodation provided under the voluntary housing Capital Assistance and Rental Subsidy schemes
• Communal residences

How do I apply?

Download an application form from your local authority's website or ask for one to be posted to you. The form includes detailed information on the scheme’s conditions and a checklist of documents that you must include.

Fill in the form and return it to your local authority, along with any documents you need to provide. When your local authority receives your application, it may ask for an occupational therapist to assess your home. 

The grant will not be paid if you start work before the grant is approved. But it is expected that the work would start within 6 months of your grant being approved.

 The information above is an overview of the Housing Adaptation Grant

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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HAP is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. HAP is available in all local authority areas throughout the State.

If your child has cancer, and you are living in or seeking rented accommodation, you may qualify for a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The scheme is administered by the local authorities, who pay landlords directly. Tenants pay a weekly HAP rent contribution to the local authority, based on their income and ability to pay. Under the HAP scheme you can take up full-time employment and keep your housing support.

How does HAP work?

Under HAP you must find your own private rented accommodation. The local authority will not source it for you. In general, the rent must be within the prescribed HAP rent limits for your household size and the area you live in. 
The local authority will make the HAP payment to your landlord on your behalf, subject to certain conditions:

• You must pay a weekly HAP rent contribution to the local authority – if you don’t pay your contribution, the local authority will stop paying your landlord
• If you get a social welfare payment at a post office, you must pay your HAP contribution through the Household Budget Scheme
• The accommodation must meet certain minimum standards for rented housing
• Your landlord must have current evidence of tax compliance
• You (and anyone in your household) must not engage in anti-social behaviour

What is the rate of payment?

The maximum amount of rent support provided is based on where you live and your family circumstances. Maximum rent limits have been established for a number of administrative areas (mostly set on a county basis) and a number of set family compositions. 

The weekly amount you contribute to your rental costs will be based your household income and how much you can afford to pay. If your income increases so does your rent contribution, and if your income decreases, the weekly rent contribution decreases accordingly. This is called the differential rent scheme.

Check with your local authority for the details of their differential rent scheme.

How do I apply?

If you are not yet on your local authority’s housing list, you will need to apply directly to the local authority for social housing support. You can learn more at Citizen’s Information. 

If you are already on the housing list, you can ask the local authority for a HAP application form. This form only needs to be filled in when you have found suitable accommodation, or if you are already in private rented accommodation and eligible to transfer to HAP. Your landlord will need to complete and sign part of the HAP application form.

If you are a tenant and in any doubt about whether your tenancy arrangement qualifies for HAP, check with your local authority. 

The information above is an overview of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)  

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Rent Supplement is a payment for people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. It is a short-term income support.

A cancer diagnosis can bring financial difficulties. If your family has been affected by a cancer and you cannot meet the cost of your rent, you may be eligible for Rent Supplement.

What is the rate of payment?

The amount of Rent Supplement is primarily determined by your monthly rental cost and how much income you receive. 

Everyone who gets rent supplement is expected to contribute towards their rent. A single person is expected to contribute at least €30 a week. A couple is expected to contribute at least €40 a week.

The maximum amount of rent support provided is based on where in Ireland you live and your family circumstances. 

Who can apply?

To qualify for Rent Supplement, the officer dealing with your case must be satisfied that, at the time of application, that you are in a bona fide (genuine) tenancy and:

• Your income is below the limit to qualify for Rent Supplement (a means test)
• You normally live in Ireland and plan to live in Ireland for the foreseeable future (habitual residence test)
• You are not in full-time employment (30 hours or more a week). In the case of couples, if one is in full-time employment, both are excluded from claiming Rent Supplement. 
• You had received rent supplement before within 12 months of your new application

OR

• You have lived in private rented accommodation for a period of 183 days (6 months) in the 12 months before the date you apply for Rent Supplement. There must have been a substantial change in your circumstances during this period, meaning that you have gone from being able to afford the rent to no longer being able do so.

This may be the case for families who have been affected by cancer.  

How do I apply?

Visit your local Social Welfare or Intreo office to complete application form SWA RS1.
OR
Fill out form SWA RS1, which you can download from the Department of Social Protection website. 

You should send your application form along with any relevant supporting documentation to your local Intreo or Social Welfare Branch office. 

The information above is an overview of Rent Supplement
For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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If your child is entitled to public health services in Ireland, you may choose to access those services in any other EU member state, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway. 

You will be repaid the cost of the public healthcare treatment in Ireland, or the coast of your treatment abroad, if it is less. It does not include other costs such as travel. 

The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is different from the Treatment Abroad Scheme. The Treatment Abroad Scheme covers treatments that are not available in Ireland, while the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive only covers treatments that are publicly funded and available in Ireland. 

How do I qualify for the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive?

The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive only applies if you normally live in Ireland and are entitled to public patient healthcare here. 

The patient must have a valid referral from their GP, public consultant, or HSE clinician to a health service abroad. 

If the treatment involves an overnight stay in hospital, then it will need to be authorised in advance by the HSE. For other treatment, it is advisable to check whether prior authorisation is required by contacting the National Contact Point. 

If your child qualifies you may have to pay for the treatment upfront. You can then apply for the HSE to pay you back. You will have to pay for your own travel costs. It’s a good idea to get travel insurance if you are travelling for treatment.  

How do I apply?

Detailed information on the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is available on the HSE website.  

National Contact Point
Cross-Border Healthcare Directive Department
St Canice's Hospital,
Dublin Road,
Kilkenny R95 P231

Tel: 056 778 4546
Email: crossborderdirective@hse.ie

The information above is an overview of the Cross Border Healthcare Directive

When considering accessing healthcare abroad, applicants are advised to: 

• Visit the HSE website
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Speak to your medical social worker

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Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people from 16 years of age with a disability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for Disability Allowance the applicant must:

• Have a disease, injury or physical or mental disability that has continued or may be expected to continue for at least one year.
• As a result of this disability, be substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of the same age, experience and qualifications. If the applicant is in education when they turn 16, they can continue to attend school.
• Be aged between 16 and 66.
• Satisfy a means test. If the applicant lives with their parents, parents’ income is not taken into account when they are being assessed.     
• Be habitually resident in Ireland. 

What is the rate of payment?

How can I apply?

Download and complete the Disability Allowance (DA1) form which is available on the Department of Social Protection website.

Or

Visited your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office to fill in the form.

Send the completed application form to:

Disability Allowance Section
Department of Social Protection
Social Welfare Services Office
Government Buildings
Ballinalee Road
Longford

Website: www.gov.ie/DA
Email: DA_InetInfo@welfare.ie
Tel: (043) 334 0000 or (1890) 92 7770

The information above is an overview of Disability Allowance.

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Families can get help with the cost of medicines under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS). This means that each household will pay no more than €80 each calendar month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines, rental costs for CPAP machines and oxygen.

If your medical needs cost more than €80 you won’t pay any more – the cost will be covered by the scheme. A household can be a single person, a married couple or a family with dependent children.

How do I qualify for the Drugs Payment Scheme?

The scheme is for people who do not have a medical card, including people who have a GP visit card. 

The scheme is not means tested − it is for everyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland, no matter what your income.

How do I apply?

You can apply online at http://www.mydps.ie

You can also apply by contacting your local health office or by filling in a registration form at your local pharmacy. If you have any difficulties filling in the form, the staff at the pharmacy or health office will be happy to help. Send the completed application to your local health office.

It can take up to 4 weeks to process your application for a Drugs Payment Scheme card. If you have to pay for prescription medicines or medical aids while you’re waiting for your card, keep the receipts. Once you get the card, you can send the receipts to the Drugs Payment Scheme section of your local health office. You should get back the money that you have spent.

If you have dependent children aged 18-23 in full-time education, you can add them to your DPS card. 

The information above is an overview of the Drugs Payment Scheme

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit the HSE website
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Children with acute leukaemia may qualify for the Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Under this scheme, you can get some drugs, medicines and approved appliances related to the child’s illness for free. This scheme is not means tested and is separate from the Medical Card and CP Visit Card schemes. Medical Card holders are charged €1.50 per item per month up to a maximum of €15 per month per family for prescription medication.

If you qualify, you will get a long-term illness book that lists the drugs and medicines your child needs. You will receive these medicines free of charge through your local chemist. You will still have to pay for other drugs and medicines not related to leukaemia. 

Who can apply?

Children who have acute leukaemia may qualify for the Long-Term Illness Scheme. Other types of cancer are not covered.

How do I apply?

You can download an application form from the HSE website. The form is also available at your local Health Office or from your GP. 

More information is available by calling 1890 252 919.

You can send your completed application form to:

Long-Term Illness Scheme
Client Registration Unit
P.O. Box 12962
Dublin 11
D11 XKF3

The information above is an overview of the Long-Term Illness Scheme.

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Children under 18 years who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years may qualify for a Medical Card without a means test.

People who have HSE Medical Cards get free medical care and are entitled to:  

• Free GP (family doctor) services.
• Free prescribed drugs and medicines. You may have to pay a prescription charge of €1.50 per item, up to a limit of €15 per family per month.
• Free medical aids (appliances), for example, a walking aid, wheelchair, colostomy bags or wig/hairpiece (up to a certain value).
• Free inpatient services in a public ward in a public hospital.
• Dental, optical (eye) and aural (hearing) services. 
• Free outpatient services.
• Free accident and emergency care.
• Community care services: public health nursing, home help, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, day and respite care.
• Free maternity and infant care services.
• Short-term counselling for mild to moderate difficulties.

Medical Card holders may also be entitled to other benefits such as free primary school transport, exemption from Junior Cert. and Leaving Cert. examination fees and financial help with buying school books.

Your local social welfare office or a hospital-based social worker can give you more information about how to claim these benefits. 

How do I apply?

• Download the application form for children with cancer from the HSE website. 
• Complete the form. Your child’s doctor will need to complete Part 4A of the form and you will need to include a medical report dated within the last six months which includes details of your child’s cancer diagnosis and date of diagnosis. 
• Send the completed form to:

National Medical Card Unit
PO Box 12629
Dublin 11
Email: cru.medical@hse.ie 

For any queries, call LoCall 1890 252 919 or email clientregistration@hse.ie.
 

The information above is an overview of the Medical Card for children with cancer.

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit the HSE online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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Being eligible for a medical card depends on your circumstances. If you do not automatically qualify for a medical card, you will need to include the following documents:

Income, savings and assets

Wages (if applicable) – a photocopy of a recent payslip dated within the last 3 months, stating year-to-date figures and deductions. 

State pension (if applicable) – if you receive a state pension, please state the frequency and amount on your application. Also include a copy of one of the following:

• Letter from the Dept of Social Protection stating the pension amount
• An Post receipt stating pension amount
• Bank statement showing pension payments

Occupational pension (if applicable) 

• Photocopy of recent pension payslip
• Details of all pension payments
• If your pension is no longer being paid, provide a copy of a letter from your provider confirming this
• If your pension was paid as a lump sum, provide a letter from your provider with the details.
• If you are submitting a joint application with your spouse or partner and they receive a pension, provide payment details.

Social welfare payment (if applicable) – state the frequency and amount on your application.
Illness Benefit or Maternity Benefit (if applicable) – provide a copy of a letter from your employer to confirm they will continue to pay you while on this benefit.

Self-employment (if applicable) 

• Photocopies of your most recent Income Tax Return form 11 and all pages of your Notice of Assessment (NOA).
• Businesses that have ceased trading must provide a copy of a letter from Revenue confirming tax registration cancellation.
• If your business is open less than one year, provide a copy of the set of accounts signed off by your accountant.
• If Revenue has stated that you have no tax liability, provide a copy of the set of account signed off by your accountant or if your income from self-employment is listed on your balancing statement, submit a copy of your P21 form. 

Income from savings and investments (if applicable) - please provide one of the following:

• Copies of any statements dated within the last 12 months from each financial institution stating the current balance on your accounts.
• Copies of certificates of interests for all accounts that you have.
• If you have stocks or shares, provide a copy of current share certificate statement detailing these items.
• You can request the actual rate of interest to be applied to your savings and investments. For this, provide photocopies of individual certificates of interest for all savings accounts. 

Maintenance payments (if applicable) - provide one of the following:

• Copy of the maintenance agreement or court order.
• Copy of a bank statement with account holders name and references to payments.

Additional property (if applicable) - if you, or your spouse or partner, own a property or land other than your primary residence, provide details. 

• If the property or land is not rented, provide a valuation.
• If the property or land is being rented, provide a copy of the tenancy agreement.
• If you are paying a mortgage on this property or land, provide a photocopy of your recent mortgage account statement.

Expenses

Rent payments (if applicable)

• Copy of your current tenancy agreement or rent book.

OR

• Copies of bank statements which show that you are the account holder and proof of current rent payments.

OR

• If you are renting from a local authority, and paying paying part of the rent, provide a copy of the letter from your local authority. This should state the portion of the rent paid by you. 

Mortgage payments (if applicable) - Provide a copy of one of the following:

• Your mortgage statement
• Letter from your mortgage provider showing 3 payments, 1 within the last 3 months
• Bank statements, showing you as the account holder and referencing mortgage payments

Mortgage protection insurance or mortgage life insurance premium (if applicable)

• Copy of a letter from the service provider confirming payment for this insurance type, and confirmation that this insurance is connected to your mortgage.

Childcare costs (if applicable)

• Copy of a letter from your childcare provider confirming the amount you pay each week
• Name, address and telephone number of your childcare provider

Travel to work costs (if applicable)

• Address of your employment and distance you travel to work
• If you drive to work, provide the distance you travel and a copy of your Vehicle Registration Certificate
• If you use public transport, provide copies of your bus or train tickets.

Maintenance payments (if applicable) - if you pay maintenance to another person, provide a copy of one of the following:

• Current maintenance agreement
• Recent bank statements showing that you are the account holder and including instances of maintenance payments

Nursing home costs (if applicable)

• Copy of an invoice from the nursing home.

The checklist above is an overview only. For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit the HSE website 
• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Contact your medical social worker

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If your child is a public healthcare patient and requires treatment that is not available in Ireland, you may be able to use the Treatment Abroad Scheme to get treatment in another EU Member State or in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. 

The Travel Abroad Scheme is different from the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, which covers treatment abroad that is available in Ireland. 

Only a public hospital consultant in Ireland can refer the patient for treatment abroad. GPs cannot provide referral. 

The consultant must confirm that the patient needs treatment abroad and must confirm that the treatment is:

• Medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs
• A proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment
• In a recognised public hospital or institution run by a registered medical practitioner
• In a hospital that will accept the Treatment Abroad Scheme form EU/EEA Form E112 (IE)

How do I apply?

The referring consultant and patient or their parent must complete the application form which is available on the HSE’s website and include a copy of the referral letter.

The application must be approved by the HSE before travel or starting treatment abroad. A decision on the application will be made within 15-20 working days. 

Families of children who are patients of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin; Children’s University Hospital, Temple St; The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght can contact the Treatment Abroad Scheme at Tel: 056 778 4553 

The information above is an overview of the Treatment Abroad Scheme

For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

Visit the HSE website
 

Contact your medical social worker
 

Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

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A means test is a way of checking if you have enough financial resources to support yourself and what amount of social assistance payment, if any, you may qualify for. In a means test, the Department of Social Protection examines all of your income. 

Certain social assistance payments include a means test as part of the application process. How your means are calculated and the amount of means you are allowed to have can vary depending on the payment you are applying for. This document offers a general overview of means testing. 

When you apply for a means-tested social welfare payment you must fill out an application form. You must give details of all your means when completing the application form for a social welfare payment. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) can ask you for details of the bank accounts you hold, including the account numbers. 

A Social Welfare Inspector may interview you about your income and may ask you for supporting documents, such as bank statements or accounts. 

All your sources of income are added together and taken into account when deciding whether you qualify for a means-tested payment. The decision on your means is made by a separate Deciding Officer. You will be told how exactly your means were assessed. If you are not satisfied, you may appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Once your means have been assessed as a certain amount and you have been awarded a social welfare payment you are responsible for telling the DSP about any changes in your circumstances. If you do not you may be liable for fines or asked to repay any overpayment that may have occurred.

The means test for a social assistance payment can be a complex calculation and it can differ from payment to payment. More information about means tests is available at Citizens Information. 

If you are applying for a means-tested payment and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, the means of your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant are also taken into account in the means test. 

You can read more about how couples are assessed for means-tested social assistance payments at Citizens Information.

The means test assesses all cash income that you can expect to get in the forthcoming year. This is usually assessed by calculating the income you actually received in the previous year. Cash income includes:

• Income from employment or self-employment
• Farm income
• Income from a social security pension from another country
• Maintenance payments

Some income is not included in the means test. You can read more about this at Citizens Information. 

The house in which you live is not included in the means test unless you are getting an income from it. 

If you receive an income from your own home, you can read more about this at Citizens Information. You can read more about how the proceeds from the sale of your home are treated in a means test at Citizens Information. 

Capital including property (except for your own home), savings and investments will be taken into account in any means test.

If you own property that you are not living in or if you have savings or investments, the value of these will be assessed using a standard formula. More information is available at Citizens Information. 

The information above is an overview of means tests. For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office
• Call our Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• Contact your Medical Social Worker

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MyGovID is a single online account that lets you access government services in Ireland.
You can use it to:

• Book appointments to get a PPS number and Public Services Card
• Apply for certain social welfare assistance payments online
• Log in to www.revenue.ie 

Visit www.mygovid.ie 

You will need to enter your name and email address to sign up for a basic account.

To create a verified account, you will need:

• A basic MyGovID account (you can sign up here)
• Your mobile phone
• Your PPS Number
• A Public Services Card

The Public Services Card establishes and fully authenticates your identity and can assist you in accessing a range of public services including social welfare assistance. 

The front of the card displays the person’s name, photograph and signature. The back of the card displays the person’s PPS number and the card number. 

How to apply
1.    Book an appointment by

• Visiting your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Office 
• Booking online at www.mywelfare.ie 

2.    Bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Current ID
• Proof of your address
• Other identification documents e.g. medical card, credit/debit card, student card

3.    Attend your appointment. The process takes about 15 minutes.
 

4.    Receive your Public Services Card by post within 5-7 working days

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that helps you to access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.

A PPS number has already been issued to you if:

• You were born in Ireland in or after 1971
• You started work in Ireland after 1979
• You are getting a social welfare payment
• You are taking part in the Drugs Payment Scheme

If you do not know your PPS number, contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office and staff there can find your number for you. 

If you are living in Ireland and at least 18 years of age, you can apply online for a PPS number at www.mywelfare.ie. You will need:

• A basic MyGovID account (apply here)
• A copy of your photo ID
• Proof of your address
• Evidence of why you need a PPS number

PPS numbers for children
Children born in Ireland are usually given a PPS number when their birth is registered. 

PPS numbers for children living in but not born in Ireland, must be applied for by a parent or guardian. One of the parents or guardians must have a PPS number for the child to be registered and linked with their data.

The parent or guardian should attend the PPS Number Allocation Centre with the child and provide evidence of the following:

• Parent/guardian’s identity
• Child’s identity
• Requirement for a PPS number
• Proof of address
• Relationship between the child and the person requesting the PPS number
• Completed form REG1M

The information above is an overview only. For detailed information, applicants are advised to:

• Visit MyGovID.ie 
• Visit mywelfare.ie for information on PPS numbers
• Visit the Public Services Card website 
• Visit Citizens Information online
• Call Citizens Information on 0761 07 4000 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
• Visit your local Citizens Information office

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