If severe weather has damaged your home, the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides emergency financial help. It runs in three stages, and the thing worth knowing on day one is that the first stage is not means tested — so income is no reason to hold off asking.
Quick facts
- Stage 1
- Food, clothing, emergency accommodation — not means tested
- Stage 2
- White goods, flooring, basic furniture — means tested
- Stage 3
- Structural repair — means tested
- If refused
- Ask about Supplementary Welfare Allowance
The three stages
- Stage 1 — immediate support for food, clothing and alternative accommodation. This is not means tested.
- Stage 2 — replacing white goods such as a fridge or freezer, flooring, basic furniture and other essential household items. This is means tested.
- Stage 3 — longer-term support for structural damage, including plastering, dry lining and relaying floors. This is means tested.
If you do not qualify
If you do not qualify for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme but suffer a loss due to severe weather and your income is affected, contact your Community Welfare Officer for help under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. That is a separate route and a separate decision.
Before you use the water
After flooding, do not use water from a well or other private source until it has been tested or checked. Your local authority environment section or the HSE Environmental Health Officer can recommend a laboratory.
Common questions
Is the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme means tested?
What does Stage 2 cover?
What about structural damage?
What if I do not qualify?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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