You don't need a medical card. A public health nurse assesses what you need. Apply as early as you can, including from hospital before discharge.
Quick facts
- Cost
- Free
- Means test
- None
- Medical card
- Not needed
- Age
- 65+ (younger in some cases)
- 24-hour care
- Not provided
- Challenge a decision
- Within 20 days
What it is
"The Home Support Service is free. It is not means-tested so your income is not assessed. You do not need a medical card to apply for the Home Support Service." It covers everyday personal care like getting up, bathing, shaving and dressing.
"The service cannot give you 24-hour care in your own home, as funding for the Home Support Service is limited." It adds to family care rather than replacing it.
Who can get it — the full rules
"You can get the service if you are aged 65 or over and you need support to continue living at home, or to return home following a hospital stay." "If you are younger than 65 and need support, you may be able to get the service. For example, if you have early onset dementia or a disability."
How to apply
Fill in the application form from your local HSE Home Support Office, or print it from the HSE website. A family member, GP or public health nurse can help. In hospital, ask the discharge coordinator or social worker to apply for you.
A public health nurse or other professional then does a Care Needs Assessment. "If you are not happy with the HSE's decision, you can write to your local HSE Home Support Office within 20 days of getting the decision, including the reasons you are not happy."
Choosing your own provider
Tick the box for Consumer Directed Home Support on the form. "If you are approved for the CDHS, you will get a letter telling you the weekly amount of HSE funding you can use to arrange home support from your chosen provider." You then pick the days and times with an approved company.
Common questions
Is the HSE Home Support Service free?
Yes. It is free and not means-tested, and you don't need a medical card.
Who can get HSE home help?
People aged 65 or over who need support to live at home or return home from hospital, and some younger people, for example with early onset dementia or a disability.
Can I get 24-hour care at home from the HSE?
No. The Home Support Service cannot give 24-hour care, because funding is limited.
How do I appeal a home support decision?
Write to your local HSE Home Support Office within 20 days of the decision, giving your reasons.