You also get a medical card, and can ask the Community Welfare Service for an Additional Needs Payment for essentials like school uniforms. If you have children and a job, Working Family Payment may be open to you too.
Quick facts
- Adult
- €38.80 a week
- Child
- €29.80 a week
- No IPAS bed
- €113.80 a week
- Income ignored
- First €60 a week
- Stops
- Income of €125 a week or more
- Medical card
- Yes
How much
Citizens Information lists the weekly maximum: "€38.80 for each adult €29.80 for each child".
"If IPAS is unable to provide you with accommodation, you will get a temporary increase of €75 in your DEA. This means your DEA will increase from €38.80 a week to €113.80 a week."
If you earn money
"The first €60 per week of income is not taken into account. 60% of any income above €60 is taken into account and your DEA payment is reduced by that amount." At "€125 or more DEA payment will stop".
The check applies to adults with income for 12 weeks or more, not necessarily in a row. "If your DEA is reduced or stopped, it will not affect the DEA payment to your other family members."
Other help
"If you have children and you have permission to work and are in employment, you may qualify for a Working Family Payment." An Additional Needs Payment can cover essentials the DEA can't. "You cannot get other social welfare payments such as Disability Allowance , One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker's Allowance ."
You get a medical card for free GP and public hospital care. "However, if you live solely on the Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) , you do not pay a prescription charge." To move your DEA after a transfer, ring 0818 60 70 80.
Common questions
How much is the Daily Expenses Allowance in Ireland?
€38.80 a week for each adult and €29.80 for each child. It rises to €113.80 for an adult if IPAS can't provide accommodation.
Does working affect the Daily Expenses Allowance?
The first €60 a week of income is ignored. 60% of income above that reduces the DEA, and it stops at €125 a week or more.
Can asylum seekers get Working Family Payment?
Yes, if you have children, permission to work and are in employment, you may qualify.
Do asylum seekers get a medical card?
Yes, while in direct provision. If you live only on the DEA, you pay no prescription charge.