State Supports

In order to access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland, you will need to obtain a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number. 

A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number used to access public services such as:

  • Social welfare payments 
  • Healthcare and medical cards
  • Education and training supports 
  • Employment and tax services 

Further Information: Get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

Services can be accessed:

  • In Person at your local Intreo Centre - Intreo Centres and local branch offices. 
  • Online at MyWelfare for which you will need a verified MyGovID account to be able to apply for payments.
  • MyGovID is a single account that lets you use services from many government departments in Ireland. 
    Having a single account means you only have to sign up once and you only have to remember one password - Create a MyGovID account. 

Social Welfare Supports for those in International Protection Accommodation Services

If you are living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), you can receive a Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) while your application is being processed.

Current rates (2025):

  • €38.80 per adult per week
  • €29.80 per child per week

If IPAS is unable to provide accommodation, you will get a temporary increase of €75 per week (total €113.80 for adults).

Further information and how to apply: Daily Expense Allowance

If you move to new accommodation, contact Community Welfare Services to transfer your payment to your nearest post office:
Phone: 08 18 60 70 80

Find your local post office here

Other social welfare payments you can avail of include:

  • Additional Needs Payment which you can apply for if you have essential needs that you cannot pay for from your weekly payment.
  • Working Family Payment which you may qualify for if you have permission to work and are in employment

Social Welfare Supports for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP - Ukrainian Citizens)

If you are a Ukrainian citizen with Temporary Protection, you can access social welfare supports in Ireland.

From 10 November 2025, Ireland’s accommodation policy for people fleeing the war in Ukraine has changed.

Under the revised approach:

  • Newly arriving Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTPs) seeking State-provided accommodation will be accommodated for a maximum of 30 days in Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs).
  • During this period, residents will receive a reduced weekly allowance of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child, along with food, laundry, and integration supports. 
  • On departure from DACs, they may apply for standard social welfare supports, subject to eligbility. 
  • The focus during the 30-day stay will be on orientation and information supports, including guidance on accessing independent or pledged accommodation, employment, training, and entitlements. 

This change does not apply to:

  • Individuals already accommodated under the 90-Day policy
  • Those currently availing of other State-supported accommodation 

For further information: 
Designated Accommodation Centres (DACS) – Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
Email for queries: ukrainetempaccom@equality.gov.ie

If you live outside of State-provided accommodation, you can apply for social welfare payments in the same way as Irish citizens, provided you meet eligibility conditions.

For further information on all state supports available, check out MyWelfare.ie

Citizens Information Service - Longford 

The Citizens Information Centre provides free, confidential advice on rights, entitlements, and public services.

Address: 1 Market Square, Longford Town
Phone:08 18 07 65 70
Email:longford@citinfo.ie
Website:Citizens Information Longford