Household costs are rising such as electricity, groceries and heating - and there are some social welfare payments that may ease the burden on those struggling.
The exceptional needs payment is open to anyone on a low income as long as they meet the requirements.
People can apply to cover costs like car fees, fuel, replacing furniture, travel expenses, a broken appliance, funeral costs and so on.
Read more: Five social welfare payments you probably didn't know you can claim
However, you must be living in Ireland and your income has to be below the following weekly limit of €350 for a single person, €450 for a couple and €551 for a couple with one child, etc.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is the welfare payment?
The exceptional needs payment is a single payment to help with "once-off costs which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income."
Anyone on a social welfare payment or working and getting a low income may qualify for an Additional Needs Payment.
How to qualify
Your application will be reviewed by a Community Welfare Officer and they will look at your circumstances before deciding the payment you can get.
They look at your weekly household income, expenses and the type of assistance you need.
The eligibility criteria include:
you are living in the State
you satisfy a means test (all capital/property, except your home, is assessed in the means test)
You are not eligible if:
have access to alternative resources, including capital, to meet the need
are in full-time work (30 hours or more per week)
are in full-time education
are involved in a trade dispute or on strike. However, you may apply for an Exceptional Needs Payment for your dependent adult or dependent child.
How much is the payment?
There is no set rate of payment, it depends on your weekly household income and the type of assistance you need.
How to apply
Contact the Community Welfare Service at your local office.
You must bring the following with you:
PPS number for you and people in your family that are dependent on you such as your partner or children
Proof of your identity (Public Services Card, Driving Licence or Passport)
Proof of address (household bill)
Proof of residency (Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or EU/EEA passport or national ID card)
Proof of income and financial situation (payslips and bank statements)
You can download an application form online and bring it with you, or you can get the form at your local Community Welfare Service.
Find out more here.
Read more: Leo Varadkar warns the cost-of-living crisis could go on for 'years'
Read more: Paid parental leave extended to seven weeks
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
