How social welfare payments are paid

How is my social welfare paid?

If you live in Ireland and are getting a social welfare payment, you may be able to choose the method by which you are paid.

You should check with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) the payment methods that are available to you. The final decision on how you are paid rests with the Department.

There are different methods of payment:

• Financial institution: your social welfare payment may be paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into your personal account at a bank, building society or at certain credit unions. You can use form DIR PMT1 to apply for an EFT payment. The DSP will decide if you can be paid by EFT.
• Post Office: your social welfare payment may be paid to your local post office where it must be collected in person. You can collect your payment in cash from your Post Office. You will need a Public Services Card (PSC) or Social Services Card (SSC) for identification (ID) to collect your payment. If using an SSC, you will also require photo ID.
• By cheque: payment by cheque can be made in exceptional circumstances or to pay arrears. It can be cashed in your local post office or lodged to your bank account.

Social welfare payments are no longer paid using a book of payable orders that you can cash at your local post office.

Time limit for collecting a social welfare payment at the Post Office

The following payments should be collected on the day that they are paid:

• Farm Assist - paid on Tuesday
• Jobseeker's Allowance - paid on Tuesday
• Jobseeker's Benefit - paid on Wednesday
• Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) - paid on Wednesday
• Jobseeker's Transitional payment - paid on Thursday  
• One-Parent Family Payment - paid on Thursday
• Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme   - paid on Friday

If you can't collect your payment on the day that it is paid, you should contact your local Intreo Centre.

Payments you can collect after the date they are paid:

• Child Benefit will be available in the Post Office for 108 days
• The State pension will be available in the Post Office for 90 days

If you are unable to collect your payment from the Post Office, you can nominate a temporary Agent to collect your payment. You can get a form for appointing a temporary Agent at your local post office. Depending on your circumstances, you can also nominate a pernament agent to collect your payment or apply to transfer your payment to your financial institution using form DIR PMT1.

Ulster Bank and KBC closures

Ulster Bank and KBC Bank are closing their services in Ireland during 2022. If you have an account with these banks, you will be given 6 months' notice to close your account. The Central Bank of Ireland has a Consumer FAQ on KBC and Ulster Bank withdrawals from Ireland.

On 11 November 2022, Ulster Bank started freezing the accounts of customers who have completed 6 months since getting notice that their account would close.

If you are getting a social welfare payment (including Child Benefit) paid into your account, and you have switched accounts, you can update your details on MyWelfare.ie, or you can contact the scheme area for your payment.