Social Welfare and Employment (LAIT)

Information on income supports from social welfare and employment.

Social Welfare

The social welfare system is a State financial support for people who might need help due to different life situations. This can include people who are unemployed, sick, disabled, retired, or raising children on their own.

What is a PPS number?

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.

What is a Public Services Card?

A Public Services Card proves your identity to help you access a range of public services such as getting social welfare payments. A Public Services Card is usually issued when you are allocated a PPS number.

What income support can I get?

This is different for International Protection Applicants (also known asylum seekers) and Ukrainian refugees.

International protection applicants living in IPAS accommodation can get a Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA). The maximum DEA weekly rate in 2025 is: €38.80 for each adult and €29.80 for each child. If you are working, your DEA payment may be reduced. For more information see - Income support for asylum seekers

Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection can get income supports depending on the type of accommodation you are in. If you are in state-provided accommodation where meals are provided, you will get payment of €38.80 for each adult and €29.80 for each child. If you are not in State-provided accommodation, you can apply for social welfare payments in the same way as Irish citizens. For more information see Social welfare supports for Ukrainian refugees

For all information relating to social welfare payments, public services cards or PPS numbers, please see the following links or go to a Citizens Information Centre or Intreo Office (locations below)

Useful Websites

Carlow Citizens Information Centre
43 Tullow Street, Carlow, R93WK8V
Phone: 0818 075130

Carlow Intreo Centre
Kennedy Avenue, Carlow, R93 EC57
Phone: 0818 405060
carlow@welfare.ie

Tullow Branch Office
Abbey Street, Tullow, Co Carlow, R93 W449
(059) 9152500
bo.tullow@welfare.ie

Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) Branch Office
Regent Street, Muine Bheag, Co Carlow, R21 TN32
(059) 9722940
bo.mnbheag@welfare.ie

 

Employment – Looking for Work

For Ukrainians

You have the right to work in Ireland when you have your Temporary Protection permission letter. You can also work for yourself (self-employment) and you can access vocational training in Ireland.

You can get help to find work through Intreo Employment Services – you can go to your local Intreo office or visit Intreo - the Irish public employment service. 

There are also many job websites such as www.jobsireland.ie advertising job vacancies.

Information on employment rights and what you are entitled to as an employee is available through the Workplace Relations Commission website. They also have information available in Ukrainian and Russian. Employment Rights in Ireland – Information for Ukrainian Nationals - Workplace Relations Commission

For International Protection Applicants

You can work if you have applied for international protection and have been waiting 6 months for the first decision on your application for asylum. 

You must then apply for permission to work, a work permit called Labour Market Access.

You cannot start work until you get an email from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) with your permission to work.

For more information on how to apply for permission to work, see the following sites:

You can get help to find work through Intreo Employment Services – you can go to your local Intreo office or visit Intreo - the Irish public employment service. 

You can find advice on where to look for jobs and how to apply here - Finding a job

Volunteering

For volunteering opportunities, you should contact Carlow Volunteer Centre:

Carlow Volunteer Centre
info@volunteercarlow.ie
Tel: 059 9173033