Your Rights & Entitlements
Everything the State owes you, explained in plain language. Every benefit, every service, every right — with direct links to apply. No jargon, no runaround, no six-page forms to find out you needed a different six-page form.
Housing
Renting
Your Rights as a Tenant
After 6 months you have security of tenure. Rent can only increase once every 2 years in Rent Pressure Zones (capped at 2% or inflation, whichever is lower). Your landlord must give you notice (up to 180 days for 5+ years tenancy). Register disputes with the RTB.
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
Local authority pays your landlord directly. You pay a differential rent to the council based on your income. Available to people on the social housing waiting list. You find the property yourself.
Rent Tax Credit
Tax credit of €750 per year (€1,500 for couples) for renters. Claim through Revenue's myAccount for current and previous year. You must be paying rent on your principal private residence.
Getting Your Deposit Back
Your landlord must return your deposit unless there's damage beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent. If they refuse, file a dispute with the RTB — it's free and they adjudicate.
Social Housing
Applying for Social Housing
Apply through your local authority if your income is below the threshold and you can't afford private housing. You'll be assessed and placed on a waiting list. Average wait varies hugely by area.
Choice-Based Letting
Some local authorities let you express interest in specific available properties rather than waiting for an offer. Check if your council operates this scheme.
Housing Transfer
If you're already in social housing and need to move (overcrowding, medical, safety), apply for a transfer through your local authority.
Buying a Home
Help to Buy (HTB)
Tax refund of up to €30,000 for first-time buyers purchasing or building a new home. Refund of income tax and DIRT paid over the previous 4 years.
First Home Scheme
State and participating banks take an equity share (up to 30%) in your new home to bridge the gap between your mortgage and the price. You buy them out over time.
Local Authority Home Loan
Fixed-rate mortgage from your local council for first-time buyers who can't get a private mortgage. Lower interest rates. Income limits apply.
Losing Your Home
If You're Homeless or About to Be
Contact your local authority's homeless section immediately. You can also contact Threshold (1800 454 454) for advice on preventing homelessness. Focus Ireland and the Simon Community also provide emergency support.
Mortgage Arrears
Contact MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) immediately — free, confidential. Your lender must follow the MARP (Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process) before taking legal action. You have options: interest-only, term extension, split mortgage, voluntary sale.
Home Improvements
SEAI Home Energy Grants
Grants for insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and full home retrofits. Individual grants or the One Stop Shop full retrofit service. BER assessment required.
Housing Adaptation Grant
Local authority grant for adapting your home for a disability (ramps, stairlifts, bathroom modifications). Up to €30,000. Means-tested. Also available: Housing Aid for Older People (up to €8,000) and Mobility Aids Grant (up to €6,000).
Employment
Your Rights at Work
National Minimum Wage
€12.70/hour (2025) for adults 20+. Sub-minimum rates for younger workers: 80% for under 18, 90% for 18-year-olds. Your employer cannot pay below this — it's a criminal offence.
Annual Leave
Statutory entitlement: 4 working weeks per year (20 days for a 5-day week). Part-time workers: 8% of hours worked. Plus 10 public holidays. Your employer can decide when you take leave.
Statutory Sick Pay
Your employer must pay sick leave: 5 days in 2025 (increasing to 10 by 2026). At 70% of your wage, capped at €110/day. You need a medical cert and 13 weeks of continuous service.
Unfair Dismissal
If you've worked 12+ months and are dismissed without fair procedure or valid reason, you can claim unfair dismissal to the WRC. Complaint within 6 months. Remedies: reinstatement or up to 2 years' pay in compensation.
WRC Complaints
If your employer breaches employment law (unpaid wages, no contract, discrimination, unfair dismissal), file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission. Free. Must be within 6 months (12 with reasonable cause).
Employment Contract
Your employer must give you a written statement of terms within 5 days of starting. It must include: pay, hours, leave, notice period, and job description. If they don't, that's a WRC complaint.
Health
Medical Cards & GP Visits
Medical Card
Free GP visits, prescriptions (€1.50 per item, max €15/month), hospital care, dental, optical. Income-tested — thresholds vary by age and circumstances. Over-70s have higher thresholds. Apply online via myGov.ie.
GP Visit Card
Free GP visits only (not prescriptions or hospital). Higher income threshold than Medical Card. All children under 8 get a free GP Visit Card automatically. All over-70s qualify regardless of income.
Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)
Cap on what you pay for prescription drugs: max €80/month per family. Register at your pharmacy with your PPS number. No means test — everyone qualifies.
Tax Relief on Medical Expenses
Claim tax back at 20% on qualifying medical expenses not covered by insurance or the State. Includes GP visits, prescriptions, consultant fees, hospital charges. Claim via Revenue myAccount (Med 1/Med 2 forms).
Mental Health
HSE Mental Health Services
Free through your GP referral: community mental health teams, counselling, psychiatry. Wait times vary. For immediate crisis: contact your GP, go to A&E, or call emergency services.
Crisis Supports
Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free) • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 50808 • Pieta House: 1800 247 247 (suicide/self-harm) • Childline: 1800 66 66 66
Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC)
Free short-term counselling (up to 8 sessions) through your GP. For adults with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. No Medical Card required.
Education & Training
Costs & Grants
SUSI Student Grant
Means-tested grant covering fees and/or maintenance for students in approved third-level or further education courses. Apply before the deadline each year. Includes a fee grant (up to €3,000) and maintenance grant (up to €6,115).
Free Fees Initiative
Tuition fees are waived for eligible EU/EEA undergraduate students. You still pay the Student Contribution Charge (€3,000 in 2025) unless SUSI covers it.
Free School Books Scheme
Free schoolbooks for all children in primary and post-primary schools from 2024/2025. Books are provided through the school — no application needed.
School Transport
Bus services for children who live 3.2km+ (primary) or 4.8km+ (post-primary) from their school. Small annual charge. Apply through Bus Éireann school transport.
Money & Tax
Tax Credits & Reliefs
Personal Tax Credits
Everyone gets a Personal Tax Credit (€1,875 in 2025) and an Employee Tax Credit (€1,875) if in PAYE employment. These reduce your tax bill directly — €1 of credit = €1 less tax.
Claiming a Tax Refund
Check your Revenue myAccount each year — you may be owed money. Common reasons: medical expenses, remote working relief, flat-rate expenses for your job, tuition fees. You can go back 4 years.
Remote Working Tax Relief
Claim 30% of the cost of heating, electricity, and broadband for days worked from home. Your employer can also pay you €3.20/day tax-free for remote working.
Debt & Financial Difficulty
MABS — Money Advice
Free, confidential, independent service for people in debt or struggling financially. They negotiate with creditors on your behalf. 60+ offices nationwide. Also runs the Abhaile scheme for mortgage arrears.
Insolvency Options
If you can't pay your debts: Debt Relief Notice (under €35,000, no assets), Debt Settlement Arrangement (unsecured debt), Personal Insolvency Arrangement (includes mortgage), or bankruptcy (last resort, 1 year). Get advice from MABS or an insolvency practitioner first.
Justice & Legal
Legal Help
Legal Aid
If you can't afford a solicitor, the Legal Aid Board provides civil legal aid and advice. Means-tested — small contribution required. Covers family law, housing disputes, employment, immigration. Criminal legal aid is separate (through the courts).
FLAC — Free Legal Advice
Free legal advice clinics run by volunteer solicitors and barristers in Citizens Information Centres nationwide. No means test. Also runs a phone line and takes cases on access to justice issues.
Domestic Violence
Protection & Support
Women's Aid: 1800 341 900 (24/7, free) • Men's Aid: 01 554 3811 • You can apply for a Safety Order (abuser can't threaten you) or Barring Order (abuser must leave the home) through the District Court. No solicitor required.
Victims of Crime
Your Rights as a Victim
You have the right to: report to Gardaí and receive updates, make a Victim Impact Statement, apply for compensation (Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal), access support services. The Victims of Crime Act 2017 protects these rights.
Consumer Rights
Buying & Returning
Faulty Goods
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022: if goods are faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose, you're entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. Short-term right to reject (30 days). Up to 6 years to claim. Proof of purchase required.
Online Shopping Rights
14-day cooling-off period for online purchases from EU sellers. You can return items for any reason within 14 days of delivery. The seller must refund within 14 days of receiving the return. Does not apply to personalised items, perishables, or sealed hygiene goods.
Making a Complaint
1. Complain to the seller in writing. 2. If unresolved, contact the CCPC for advice. 3. Use the Small Claims Court (online, €25 fee) for claims up to €2,000 against businesses. No solicitor needed.
Family & Relationships
Key Life Events
Registering a Birth
Register within 3 months at any Civil Registration Office. You'll need the hospital's Birth Notification Form. A PPS number is automatically issued once the birth is registered.
Getting Married
Give 3 months' notice to the Registrar before your marriage date. Both civil and religious ceremonies are legally recognised. You need to collect your Marriage Registration Form in person.
Separation & Divorce
Judicial separation: no minimum time apart (court order). Divorce: must have lived apart for 2 of the past 3 years. Both handled through the Family Courts. Free mediation available through the Family Mediation Service.
Moving Country
Coming to Ireland
Getting a PPS Number
You need a PPS number for employment, social welfare, and public services. Apply in person at your nearest Intreo or Social Welfare Branch Office with proof of identity and address.
Immigration Registration (IRP)
Non-EEA nationals staying more than 90 days must register with immigration. In Dublin: Burgh Quay Registration Office. Outside Dublin: your local Garda station. You'll receive a Stamp (1-6) indicating your permission type.
Irish Citizenship
By naturalisation: 5 years' residence (4 if married to an Irish citizen). By descent: if a parent or grandparent was Irish. By birth: if born in Ireland with at least one Irish/UK citizen parent (or 3 years' residence by a parent).
Travel & Transport
Essentials
Passport
Apply online at PassportOnline — fastest way. Adult renewal: €75 (10-year). First-time adult: €80. Child: €30 (5-year). Turnaround: 10 working days for simple online renewals, longer for first-time applications.
Driving Licence
Learner permit → 12 Essential Driver Training lessons → driving test → full licence. Apply through NDLS centres. Theory test first, then learner permit application. Licence renewal every 10 years.
Free Travel Pass
Free travel on public transport for people 66+ and people receiving certain disability payments. Covers Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and Irish Rail. Apply through your local social welfare office.
Young Adult Leap Card
50% discount on public transport fares for 19-25 year olds. Also available for students 26+ in full-time education. Apply online or at Leap card agents.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Free card entitling you to public healthcare in EU/EEA countries on the same terms as locals. Apply online through HSE. Valid 4 years.
Death & Bereavement
Practical Steps & Supports
Registering a Death
Register within 3 months at a Civil Registration Office. You'll need the medical certificate of cause of death. Death certificates cost €20 each.
Widow's/Widower's/Surviving Civil Partner's Pension
Contributory (based on deceased's PRSI) or non-contributory (means-tested). Paid weekly. You can also get a Bereavement Grant-equivalent lump sum from your deceased partner's employer or pension scheme.
Help with Funeral Costs
If you can't afford funeral costs, apply for an Exceptional Needs Payment through your local Community Welfare Officer (via Intreo). Means-tested but designed for urgent need.
Government & Civic
Your Democratic Rights
Register to Vote
Check if you're registered at checktheregister.ie. If not, register through your local authority. Irish citizens can vote in all elections. EU citizens can vote in European and local elections. UK citizens can vote in Dáil and local elections.
Freedom of Information (FOI)
You have the right to access records held by public bodies. Submit a written request — they must respond within 20 working days. Free for personal information. €15 for non-personal. You can appeal refusals to the Information Commissioner.
Ombudsman
If a public body (government department, local authority, HSE) has treated you unfairly, the Ombudsman can investigate your complaint. Free. Independent. Can recommend redress.
More Resources
Every government department and agency — what they're responsible for and how to contact them
TD Property DashboardWhich TDs own property and how they vote on housing legislation
Accountability Toolkit60+ OSINT resources for investigating public figures and institutions in Ireland
Complaint RouterFind the right authority for your complaint — housing, employment, health, consumer, and more
Privacy Rights RegistryDeclare your digital privacy rights and track who tries to access your data
Social Welfare
If You Lose Your Job
Jobseeker's Benefit
If you've lost your job and have enough PRSI contributions (at least 104 weeks). Paid for 9 months (6 months if under 260 contributions). You must be available for and genuinely seeking work.
Jobseeker's Allowance
If you don't have enough PRSI contributions or your Jobseeker's Benefit has run out. Means-tested — your household income and savings are assessed. No time limit.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Emergency safety net if you have no income at all and are waiting for another payment. Also covers Exceptional Needs Payments for urgent one-off costs (funerals, deposits, appliances).
Statutory Redundancy
If you've worked for your employer for 2+ years and are made redundant, you're entitled to 2 weeks' pay per year of service plus 1 bonus week. Your employer must pay this. If they can't, the State pays from the Social Insurance Fund.
Families & Children
Child Benefit
Universal payment for every child under 18 (or 16 if not in full-time education). Not means-tested. Paid monthly to the child's parent or guardian.
Working Family Payment
Top-up for families where at least one parent works 38+ hours per fortnight but earns below a threshold. Not taxable. Paid with your wages.
One-Parent Family Payment
For single parents with a child under 7. Means-tested. You can work and earn up to €165/week without affecting payment. Transitions to Jobseeker's Transitional Payment when youngest child turns 7.
Maternity Benefit
26 weeks paid leave for employed or self-employed mothers with enough PRSI. Starts 2 weeks before your due date. Your employer may top up, but isn't required to.
Paternity Benefit
2 weeks paid leave for fathers/partners within 26 weeks of birth or adoption. Must have enough PRSI contributions.
Parent's Benefit
9 weeks paid leave for each parent in the first 2 years of a child's life (or adoption). Can be taken in blocks. Both parents get it independently.
National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
Subsidies for childcare costs. Universal subsidy for all children under 15. Income-assessed subsidy gives more to lower-income families. Applies to Tusla-registered providers.
Illness & Disability
Illness Benefit
If you can't work due to illness and have enough PRSI. Paid from day 6 of illness (3-day waiting period abolished for some). Max 2 years.
Disability Allowance
Long-term payment if you have a disability that substantially restricts your ability to work. Means-tested. You can earn up to €165/week from work without losing it.
Invalidity Pension
If you're permanently incapable of work and have enough PRSI. Higher rate than Disability Allowance. Not means-tested — based on PRSI record.
Carer's Allowance
If you're providing full-time care to someone who needs it (due to age, disability, or illness). Means-tested. You can work up to 18.5 hours/week.
Carer's Benefit
If you leave work to care for someone and have enough PRSI. Paid for up to 2 years. Your job must be kept open.
Carer's Support Grant
Annual payment in June for carers — even if you're not on Carer's Allowance. One grant per person being cared for.
Pensions
State Pension (Contributory)
Main State pension at age 66 if you have enough PRSI contributions (minimum 520 weeks). Rate depends on your contribution record. Not means-tested.
State Pension (Non-Contributory)
If you're 66+ but don't have enough PRSI for the contributory pension. Means-tested against your income and assets (including your partner's).
Living Alone Increase
Extra weekly payment if you're 66+ and living entirely alone. Added automatically to your pension.
Fuel Allowance
Weekly payment from October to April to help with heating costs. Must be on a qualifying social welfare payment and meet the means test. One per household.
Household Benefits Package
Free electricity/gas allowance and free TV licence. For people 70+ (no means test) or under 70 on qualifying payments (means-tested).
Getting Back to Work
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
Keep a percentage of your social welfare payment for 2 years while starting your own business. Must be on a qualifying payment for 9+ months.
Back to Education Allowance
Continue receiving a weekly payment while studying full-time (second level or third level). Must be on a qualifying payment for a set period. Books and materials grant included.
Community Employment (CE)
Part-time work placements in community organisations for long-term unemployed. Provides work experience and training. 19.5 hours/week.
Tús
Short-term community work placement for long-term unemployed (12+ months). 19.5 hours/week. Placements through local development companies.