The clock runs from the day the Department receives your application, not the day you posted it.
Quick facts
- Jobseeker's Benefit
- Apply the day you're eligible
- Illness Benefit, JPRB
- Within 6 weeks
- Invalidity Pension
- Within 3 months
- Automatic backdating
- 6 months on some pensions
- Otherwise
- Needs a good reason
- Refused?
- Appeal to the SWAO
The time limits
"For Jobseeker's Benefit, you should apply on the day you become eligible. For Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit (JPRB), you should apply within 6 weeks of losing your job. For Illness Benefit, you should apply within 6 weeks of becoming unable to work. For Invalidity Pension, you should apply within 3 months of becoming permanently unable to work."
"The DSP considers the day it gets your application as the day you applied."
Backdated without a reason
These are backdated without you explaining: "State Pension (Contributory) (6 months) Invalidity Pension (6 months) Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension (6 months) Guardian's Payment (Contributory) (6 months) Medical Care (12 months)".
Further backdating is allowed only if "The reason you didn't apply resulted from incorrect information being supplied by the Department of Social Protection, or The delay was due to your incapacity."
Everything else needs a good reason
Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Working Family Payment and most other payments can be backdated only with a good reason. "There is little information about what is a good reason, but if you were sick or in hospital this might be considered as a good reason for not making your claim on time."
"Generally, the fact that you did not know that you were entitled to a payment is not considered to be a good reason for not making your claim on time."
"When applying for your social welfare payment, you must include details of why your application is late." Add a letter and evidence, like a hospital letter. If you're refused, you can appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Common questions
Can social welfare be backdated in Ireland?
Yes, in some cases. Some pensions are backdated 6 months automatically; most payments need a good reason for the late claim.
Is not knowing about a payment a good reason?
Generally no. Citizens Information says not knowing you were entitled is not usually considered a good reason.
How late can I apply for Illness Benefit?
You should apply within 6 weeks of becoming unable to work.
Can I appeal a backdating decision?
Yes, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.