Supplementary Welfare Schemes

Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a payment to people that have no income. Outlines the conditions for entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance including the means test.

Administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme
Department of Social Protection representatives (formerly known as Community Welfare Officers (CWOs)) are responsible for the day to day administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. Find out about their role and responsibilities.

Exceptional and urgent needs payments
Outlines the rules, regulations and application procedure involved in applying for an exceptional needs or emergency payment. Including help with funeral costs and fuel bills. To get this payment you must be in urgent need or have little or no means.

Diet and heating supplements
Additional weekly supplements for special diets and heating requirements are available in Ireland under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

Mortgage Interest Supplement
Mortgage Interest Supplement is a payment made by the Department of Social Protection. It provides short term support to help you pay your mortgage interest repayments.

Calculating Mortgage Interest Supplement
Shows you how to calculate Mortgage Interest Supplement.

Rent Supplement
People receiving a social welfare payment may qualify for rent supplement to ensure that after paying rent their income does not fall below a minimum level.

Calculating Rent Supplement
Shows you the steps involved in calculating your Rent Supplement.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid each year to families on certain social welfare and other benefits. The scheme helps families with the cost of sending children back to school.
This document is in: Social Welfare > Social welfare payments > Families and children

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
This scheme provides emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs immediately after flooding.