Financial Support for Workers
We know many migrant workers in sectors like care, fishing, retail, hospitality, construction, and agriculture are worried about losing their job and income due to COVID-19.
The Irish Government has confirmed to MRCI that all people – documented or undocumented – can apply for hardship payments and access information from social welfare services free from fear during COVID19. You will need to give the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) personal information to apply for hardship payments. These services will not share your information with the Department of Justice and Equality.
To access any financial support from social welfare during COVID19 you must have a PPS number first. It is safe for you to apply for one now.
How to Apply for a PPSN
To get a PPS number you need to submit scanned images or photographs of the each of the following:
- Completed REG1 form.
This form is available at the following link:
https://psc.gov.ie/application-form-for-a-personal-public-Service-number/ - Identity Document (e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, ID card)
- Proof of address, (Utility bill, a letter from landlord, etc. The following are accepted, as proof of address. If using any of the following, the document must show your name and address and not be older than 3 months:
The above documents should be scanned/photographed and emailed to PPSN@welfare.ie.
Alternatively, scanned copies or photographs can be posted to PPSN Allocation, CIS Registration, DEASP, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, N41 KD81.
You should make sure that all the documents are clear and readable in the picture or scanned copy. The Department will issue the PPSN by post to your address.
After you had received a PPSN number you can try to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, Supplementary Welfare Allowance and/or the Exceptional Needs Payment.
COVID19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is providing this payment scheme for workers who were laid off due to COVID-19.
Anyone aged between 18 years and 66 years can apply for the payment if you were in employment, and this employment stopped due to COVID19. You must have a PPSN and a bank account with a bank, credit union or post office to apply. You need to provide your employer’s details which the Department may want to verify through PRSI contributions. People who are currently in Ireland on a stamp 2 as an international student can also apply.
Applications can be made online via the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection website here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/ or by post. The Department have a dedicated #COVID19 phoneline open from 9am-5pm, 01-2481398/ 1890-800-024. To get a form posted to you, please email forms@welfare.ie or call the phoneline. Full info at gov.ie/deaspcovid19
Supplementary Welfare Allowance/Exceptional Needs Payment
If you have lost your employment or are in financial hardship due to COVID19 and you cannot apply for the COVID19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment you can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance/Exceptional Needs Payment.
For this payment, you need to apply to your local community welfare office. You can print a form from here: Supplementary Welfare Allowance Form – SWA1 or pick one up at your local office. The completed form must be submitted in person at the local office.
To find your local community welfare officer, please go here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb07d7-supplementary-welfare-allowance-swa-list-of-offices-administering-swa/
To learn more about Exceptional Needs Payment please go here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/80b24c-exceptional-needs-payments-swa/
If you have any questions or concerns about applying for these payments contact us by phone on 01-8897670, through our website https://www.mrci.ie/contact-us/ or by email at info@mrci.ie
