Information
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.
Rules
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.
What is covered by the Scheme?
Emergency income support payments to those in need.
Damage to a person’s home and its basic essential contents, such as:
- carpets
- flooring
- furniture
- household appliances and bedding.
Structural damage may also be considered.
What is not covered under the Scheme?
- Commercial and business losses.
- Losses covered by an insurance policy.
- Loss or damage to private rented accommodation or local authority
accommodation
Income test
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.
How much can be paid to individual applicants?
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.
Where to apply
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.