Additional Needs Payment
- What is the Additional Needs Payment?
- What can I get the Additional Needs Payment for?
- How to qualify for an Additional Needs Payment
- How much is an Additional Needs Payment?
- How to apply for an Additional Needs Payment
- More information
What is the Additional Needs Payment?
The Additional Needs Payment is a payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income.
You may get an Additional Needs Payment if you are:
- Getting a social welfare payment, or
- Working and on a low income, regardless of the number of hours that you work
You may get this payment even if you are not getting a social welfare payment.
When you apply for the payment, your income and circumstances will be assessed to find out if you qualify.
The Additional Needs Payment includes the Exceptional Needs and Urgent Needs payments.
What can I get the Additional Needs Payment for?
You can get the Additional Needs Payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income.
For example:
- An increase in your fuel or electricity costs
- Essential repairs to property, including, replacing household appliances and furniture
- Funeral costs
- Deposits for private rented accommodation
- Bedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first time
- Food, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or flood
- Recurring travel costs to hospital for appointments, or for visiting a relative in hospital or prison
- Prams, buggies, cots, or essential child safety equipment
This is not a complete list, other expenses can be covered too.
How to qualify for an Additional Needs Payment
To qualify for an Additional Needs Payment, you must:
- Live in Ireland, and
- Have an income below the 'weekly household income' limit – see below
When you apply for an Additional Needs Payment, your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO).
The CWO will look at your circumstances and decide if you qualify for the payment.
In some cases, the CWO can provide a payment if your income is above the weekly household income limit, but it will depend on your circumstances.
Additional Needs Payment weekly household income limit 2024
Members of your household |
Amount |
Single person |
€444 |
Couple with no children |
€544 |
1 child |
€645 |
2 children |
€746 |
3 children |
€847 |
4 children |
€938 |
5 children |
€1,064 |
6 children |
€1,180 |
7 children |
€1,316 |
8 children |
€1,412 |
How much is an Additional Needs Payment?
There is no set rate for an Additional Needs Payment.
The amount you get will depend on your circumstances and what you need help with.
How to apply for an Additional Needs Payment
You can make a paper application or apply online.
When you apply for an Additional Needs Payment, your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO).
Online application
You can apply online through MyWelfare.ie. You will need a verified MyGovID account.
Paper Application
You can post your application for an Additional Needs Payment, or make an appointment with your local CWO, if you prefer.
If you post your application, the CWO may issue a payment or arrange an appointment to meet with you.
How to get an ANP application form
If you can’t complete your application online, you can:
- Download an application form for an Additional Needs Payment (SWA1) (pdf)
- Request an application by completing an online form
- Get an application form from your local Community Welfare Service, or your local Intreo or branch office
If you are applying for help with funeral costs, you will need to fill in both the ANP form (SWA1) and the application form for help with funeral costs (SWA5) (pdf).
What you need to provide when you apply
You will need some of the following to apply:
- PPS number for you and people in your family that are dependent on you such as your partner or children
- Proof of your identity such as Public Services Card, Driving Licence or Passport
- Proof of address such as a household bill
- Proof of residency such as an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or EU/EEA passport or national ID card
- Proof of income and financial situation such as payslips and bank statements
More information
You can read more about the Additional Needs Payment on gov.ie.
You can also get information about the payment at your local Community Welfare Service, or you can call the National Phone Line for Community Welfare Services on 0818 607080.