In response to the recent flooding the Government has established a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The scheme, which is means tested, is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support to people who have suffered damages to their home and provide hardship alleviation rather than full compensation.
The scheme will provide hardship alleviation assistance, as opposed to full compensation, to householders affected by the flooding. Eligibility will be subject to an income test.
Emergency income support payments to those in need.
Damage to a person’s home and its basic essential contents, such as:
Structural damage may also be considered.
The basic principle of the income test will be to determine the household’s capacity to meet the costs of restoring their home to a habitable condition. All household income will be considered when determining entitlement to a payment. You can find out more about the income test on the Department of Social Protection's website.
The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid to an individual household under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
Levels of payment will depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs.
Where structural work is an issue, the Department may get advice from a loss adjustor.
In assessing cases for humanitarian assistance, account will be taken of Exceptional Needs Payments and Urgent Needs Payments already paid out.
To apply for Humanitarian Assistance you should complete the Humanitarian Assistance application form (pdf). This form is available from either the Department of Social Protection's website or from your Local Supplementary Welfare Allowance administrative office (health centre).
Where available you must include the following with your application:
To apply for Humanitarian Assistance contact the Department of Social Protection's representative (formerly known as the Community Welfare Officer) at your local health centre.