Additional Needs Payment
It covers essential expenses that you cannot meet from your weekly income or other resources. You do not have to be on a social welfare payment: people on low pay can qualify.
- No fixed amount: each case is assessed on the household's income and resources.
- Documents you may be asked for: payslips, bank statements, bills and quotes for the cost.
- How to apply: on MyWelfare.ie, or through your local CWS team.
No income at all right now?
If you have no weekly income, or you are waiting for a decision on another payment such as a jobseeker's claim, Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance can bridge the gap. Contact your local Community Welfare team.
Finding your Community Welfare team
CWS is organised by area, with 58 different team email addresses across the country. Open your local Intreo office page: the CWS email for that area is listed in the contact box. The CWS phone line is 0818 607080 nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Community Welfare Service?
The part of the Department of Social Protection that handles Supplementary Welfare Allowance payments, including the Additional Needs Payment and urgent help with essential costs.
What is the Additional Needs Payment?
A payment to help with essential expenses you cannot pay from your weekly income or other resources. People in low-paid work can qualify too. There is no set rate.
How do I contact the Community Welfare Service?
Each area has a CWS email address, listed on your local Intreo office page, and the national CWS phone line is 0818 607080.
I have no income while I wait for a decision. Can I get help?
Yes. If you have no weekly income or are waiting on a decision about another payment, MyWelfare points you to Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Can I apply for an emergency or funeral payment online?
No. Help with exceptional costs such as funerals is not available on MyWelfare. Ask your Intreo office or Community Welfare team for the form.
Related guides
Sources: MyWelfare: Additional Needs Payment. Intreo Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Social Protection. Rates and rules change: confirm on gov.ie or MyWelfare.ie before you act.