This page explains the main housing supports available in Ireland, including emergency accommodation, social housing and what happens after leaving IPAS (Direct Provision).
1. Social Housing
Social housing is long-term housing provided by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for people who cannot afford private rent.
If your application is approved, you may:
- Be placed on the housing list
- Apply for HAP (Housing Assistance Payment)
To apply you must:
- Have a right to reside in Ireland and meet the residency requirements
- Be under the income limit
- Have no suitable alternative accommodation
- Apply in the area where you live or have a local connection
How to Apply
- Get the application form from your local council or Citizens Information.
- Complete all sections carefully.
- Submit with required documents.
- Include certified translations if documents are not in English.
- If you have medical needs, include HMD Form 1 signed by two medical professionals.
Keep copies of everything and request a receipt if submitting in person.
Choice-Based Letting (CBL)
Some councils advertise homes online through the CBL system. If your application to be placed on the housing list is successful, you may be given a log-in to the CBL system where you can apply for specific advertised properties.
If you apply for a property and refuse it, you may not be able to apply again for 12 months.
2. Emergency Accommodation
If you have nowhere to stay, you can apply for emergency accommodation through your local authority. If you have an offer of accommodation from IPAS, you will be considered to have a place to stay and will not be considered homeless.
You will not be offered emergency accommodation until you have no other place to stay.
If Your Landlord Has Asked You to Leave
Your landlord must give you a valid written Notice of Termination.
Contact Threshold immediately to check whether the notice is valid:
Threshold: 1800 454 454
Preparing to apply for emergency housing
Bring as many of the following documents as possible to the homeless services section of the local authority in the area where you are currently staying. Each county or city council has its own homeless services team:
- Photo ID
- Immigration proof (IRP card or status letter if available)
- Notice of Termination or letter from friend (if couch-surfing)
- Bank statements and welfare/payslips
- Medical letters (for accessibility needs)
- Proof of social housing application (if active).
You should not be refused emergency for the following reasons:
- Not having a local connection
- Not having an active social housing application
A staff member (sometimes called a placefinder) will assess whether you qualify. If eligible, you may be offered short-term accommodation such as a hostel, B&B or shelter. You may need to check in daily.
If refused, ask for the reason in writing and contact a specialist housing organisation for advice.
