Making applications simple
Your Guide to Public Service Forms & Entitlements
A plain-English overview of every major allowance, the form you need, and how to apply — so you know exactly what you're entitled to.
Not sure where to start? Many people miss out on payments they're fully entitled to simply because they don't know the right form or process. We can help at every step.
Health & Medical
Medical Card & GP Visit Card
The Medical Card covers GP visits, prescribed medicines, inpatient hospital care, and other health services free of charge. The GP Visit Card covers free GP visits only. Both are means tested. Form MC1(a) is for applicants aged 70 or over.
You will need: proof of income, proof of expenses, PPS numbers for all household members, dates of birth, proof of address, and your chosen GP's details.
Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal)
The Fair Deal Scheme helps with the cost of long-term nursing home care. You contribute a portion of your income and assets, and the HSE pays the rest. The application covers personal details, medical information, and financial assessment — including the Nursing Home Loan (ancillary support) where your family home is included in the financial assessment.
This is one of the most complex applications — it involves multiple sections including a medical assessment and a detailed financial assessment covering income, savings, property, and assets. ClearPath Support can guide you through every section.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
A safety-net weekly payment for people whose income falls below a minimum level. Also covers emergency payments, Rent Supplement (SWA RS1), and assistance with funeral expenses (SWA5).
Submit in person or by post to your local Community Welfare Officer. Some SWA payments can be applied for online via MyWelfare.ie. Urgent applications may be processed same-day by a CWO.
Fuel Allowance
A payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months (typically October–April). NFS1 is for those under 66; NFS2 is for those aged 66 and over. Also covers the Winter Fuel Lump Sum.
A weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection for people aged 66 and over. The Contributory pension is based on your PRSI record; the Non-Contributory pension is means tested.
State Pension (Contributory & Non-Contributory)
Application is generally triggered when you reach pension age. Contact your local Intreo Centre or apply via MyWelfare.ie. Bring your PPS number and PRSI history.
Income & Financial Support
Christmas Bonus
Automatic
A once-a-year bonus payment made in December to people who are already receiving qualifying social welfare payments. No application is needed — it is paid automatically.
If you receive a qualifying payment (such as Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, or a pension) you will receive this automatically around late November / early December.
No Form Needed
Housing Adaptation Grants
Grants to help adapt your home to meet the needs of a person with a disability or an older person. This can include stairlifts, bathroom conversions, ramps, and other accessibility works. Also covers Essential Home Repairs (roof, rewiring, heating, doors/windows)
Forms vary by county — you must download the relevant application from your local authority website (e.g., Galway City/County Council). Submit completed forms to the housing or grants section of your local authority. Means tested.
Living Alone Increase
An additional weekly payment for people who are living alone and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment such as the State Pension, Disability Allowance, or Carer's Allowance.
Complete the LA1 form and post it directly to the Department of Social Protection. This allowance is not available via MyWelfare.ie online — it must be submitted by post.
Household Benefits Package
(Electricity / Gas Allowance & Free TV Licence)
Covers a monthly electricity or gas credit applied to your bill, plus a free TV licence. Both benefits are claimed using the same single HB1 application form.
Apply online via MyWelfare.ie or download the HB1 form and submit by post. You must be living alone or with certain qualifying dependants and be receiving a qualifying payment.
Household & Utility Support
Telephone Support Allowance
€2.50 per week paid to people who receive both the Living Alone Increase and the Household Benefits Package. It is intended to help with the cost of a telephone or personal alarm system.
Automatic
Paid automatically alongside your qualifying social welfare payments once you meet the criteria. No application or form is required.
Carers & Dependants
Carer's Allowance
A means-tested weekly payment for people who are caring full-time for a person who needs support because of age, disability, or illness. Requires a medical report from the care recipient's GP (CARMed1 form).
Apply online via MyWelfare.ie or post the CR1 form along with the completed CARMed1 medical report (to be filled out by the cared-for person's GP) to Social Welfare Services Office.
Domiciliary Care Allowance
A monthly payment for the parent or guardian of a child aged under 16 with a severe disability requiring constant care and attention. The appropriate form depends on the type of disability. A medical report from a GP or specialist is required.
Apply online via MyWelfare.ie or post the completed DCACare1 form along with DCAMed1 or DomCare3 medical report (completed by GP or specialist) to Social Welfare Services Office.
Carer's Support Grant
An annual tax-free lump sum payment for carers, typically paid in June/July. If you receive Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit, the grant is paid automatically. Other qualifying carers may need to apply separately.
Paid automatically if you are already in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit. If you are not on these schemes but are a full-time carer, you may need to apply separately.
Automatic if on Carer's Allowance
Automatic
Travel & Transport
Free Travel Scheme
Allows free travel on most public transport (buses, trains, LUAS) throughout Ireland. If you are aged 66 or over and receiving the State Pension you should receive your Free Travel Pass automatically. Others must apply using the FT1 form.
If 66+ and on a pension, your pass is typically issued automatically once you have a Public Services Card registered. Otherwise, complete the FT1 form and post it to the Department of Social Protection. Not available via MyWelfare.ie.
Auto if 66+ on pension
Companion Free Travel Pass
Allows a named companion to travel for free alongside a person who holds a Free Travel Pass and requires a companion for medical reasons. Separate forms exist for those aged over 70 and under 70.
Use form FT O/70 if you are aged over 70; use FT U/70 if you are under 70. Post to the Department of Social Protection. Not available via MyWelfare.ie. Medical evidence may be required.