Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides income-tested financial assistance to households affected by a severe weather event, including the recent Storm Éowyn.
In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:
- Stage 1 provides emergency support payments (food/clothing/personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event
- Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items
- Stage 3 is to identify what longer-term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
The scheme is run by the Department of Social Protection. It is administered by the Community Welfare Service. Longford's Community Welfare Service is available by calling 081 860 70 80 or emailing CWSLongford@welfare.ie.
What the scheme does and does not cover
The scheme aims to lighten the hardship rather than provide full compensation for damage.
The scheme may cover:
- emergency support payments, such as food, clothing and personal items
- damage to your home and its essential contents, such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding
- structural damage
The scheme does not cover:
- losses covered by an insurance policy
- loss of items deemed to be inessential or luxury items
- commercial, agricultural or business losses
- structural loss or damage to rented accommodation
- any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the primary residence
- repair or replacement of motor vehicles
Income limits
Income limits for the scheme are:
- €50,000 for a single person
- €90,000 for a couple
- €15,000 per dependent child
Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where your household income is above the limits.
Further Information
For more information, including how to apply, visit Gov.ie's Humanitarian Assistance Scheme section.
You can also contact Longford's Community Welfare Service is available by calling 081 860 70 80 or emailing CWSLongford@welfare.ie.
