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What is the Additional Needs Payment
The Additional Needs Payment is a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment that you may apply for if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income or other sources (for example maintenance or savings).
The Additional Needs Payment does not cover non-essential household or personal costs, or costs that are the responsibility of another Government department or agency.
Please note: Assistance with emergency costs (for example fire or flood damage) and funeral costs are not available on MyWelfare. Please request an application form by visiting your local Intreo Centre or completing this form.
Who can get an Additional Needs Payment?
Anyone on a social welfare payment or working and getting a low income may qualify for an Additional Needs Payment regardless of the number of hours that you work.
To apply, you will need to provide information relating to your weekly household income, expenses, savings and investments and those of everyone residing in your household. You will also be required to provide evidence of the type of assistance you need and may be asked for relevant documents such as payslips, bank statements, utility bills and repair / maintenance quotes.
There is no set 'rate of payment' for the Additional Needs Payment. The payment you get will depend on your weekly household income and the type of assistance you need.
Weekly household income guidelines:
- Single (no children) - weekly income €444
- Couple (no children) - weekly income €544
- 1 child - weekly income €645
- 2 children - weekly income €746
- 3 children - weekly income €847
- Further information on income guidelines for larger households is available on gov.ie.
Please note: If you are awarded an Additional Needs Payment, you may be asked to provide receipts and other documentation as evidence of how the payment was used.
What will you be asked for?
Personal details
You will be asked to confirm your current address, education details, relationship status and if you have any dependent children. Where applicable, you will also be asked for the PPS Number and personal details for your partner.
Evidence of needs
You will be asked your reason for applying for an Additional Needs Payment. You will be required to provide evidence for the type of assistance you need and to upload documentation to support your request.
Financial information
You will be asked questions about any income, savings or investments you and your partner may have. You will also be asked about any household expenses you and your partner may have.
Household details
You will be asked to provide information for anyone else living in the household (other than your partner or children), including their PPS Number, relationship to you and any income, savings or investments they may have.
Payment details
You will be asked to provide details of the bank account or post office into which you would like to be paid.