What will happen when I first arrive?
Upon arrival at the airport, a member of the resettlement team will meet you at the airport. You will be placed in an Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) for a period of 8-12 weeks. In the EROC, you will receive cultural orientation and language training to prepare you for independent living.
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) provides extensive support for refugees and the community in which they resettle. This includes: English language training, Health support provision and access to education for children under 18 years of age.
What social welfare services are available to me?
If you have refugee status, there are a number of social welfare payments which you may be eligible (see below). For more information on these payments you can contact your local Citizens Information Office or your local Department of Social Protection Office.
Jobseekers Allowance
If you are unemployed and aged 18 or over you may be eligible to receive a weekly payment which helps support you while you search for work. While you are receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance, you will be given information and support with your job search by an appointed case work officer.
One Parent Family Payment
If you are raising children without the support of a partner or spouse then you may be eligible for the One Parent Family Payment.
Disability Allowance
If you are over 16 and suffering from a disease, injury, physical illness or mental illness expected to last for more than one year and which stops you from working, then you may be entitled to Disability Allowance.
Child Benefit
You may be eligible to receive this benefit if you have a child under 16 in full-time education or who has a disability.
Can I bring my family to Ireland?
Yes you can apply to bring your family to Ireland under the ‘Family Reunification’ scheme. Eligible family members include:
- Spouse – your marriage must have subsisted on the date you made an application for International Protection in the State
- Civil partner – your civil partnership must have subsisted on the date you made an application for International Protection in the State
- Parent(s) and their children (under 18 and not married), if you are under 18 and not married on the date you make an application for family reunification in the State
- Child who, is under the age of 18 years and not married when you make an application for family reunification in the State
Accommodation (On arrival and in the future e.g. renting, social housing etc.)
One of the first challenges you will face when arriving in Ireland is to find suitable accommodation to live in upon leaving the EROC. If you are unable to afford to buy or rent a house, you can apply for social housing from your local authority or housing association. Your application will be assessed on a number criteria including income. PLEASE NOTE: If you are deemed to be eligible for social housing, you will be placed on a waiting list. Depending on your location, these waiting lists can be very long.
If you are not eligible for social housing or are currently on a long waiting list, you can consider renting private accommodation. Depending on where you live, the cost of private renting will vary. You should expect to pay large rents if you live in or near to cities. You will most likely be asked to pay a deposit and the first month of your rent in advance to secure your accommodation. You may also be asked to show proof of your income (e.g. a bank statement) and provide references to the landlord.
Further Information and Links
INIS Guide to Independent Living (‘Accommodation’ section)
This website was funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. The content of this website represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
