Two charities specialise in this: Crosscare's Irish Diaspora Support Project, for homelessness and welfare, and Safe Home Ireland, for older returning emigrants. Contact them before you travel if you can.
Quick facts
- Somewhere to sleep
- Your local council
- Dublin beds
- 1800 707 707
- Dublin money
- Homeless Persons Unit, 1800 724 724
- Abroad
- Nearest Irish embassy or consulate
- DFA emergencies
- +353 1 408 2000
- Public healthcare
- If living here a year, or planning to
Somewhere to stay
"If you are homeless when you return to Ireland, you should contact the local authority in the area where you would like to live to apply for emergency accommodation." "Applying for social housing and being registered on the social housing waiting list are not requirements to get emergency accommodation."
"In Dublin city , you can call Dublin City Council's Central Placement Service (CPS) homeless freephone on 1800 707 707 (10am to 10pm Monday to Sunday)." Day services in Dublin and Cork offer showers, lockers and mental health support.
Money
"If you are homeless in Dublin , you should contact the Homeless Persons Unit (HPU) at 1800 724 724 to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance ." Outside Dublin, go to your local Intreo Centre.
"To apply for a social welfare payment without an Irish address, you will need to show that you are engaging with your local authority." You'll need a PPS number, and to meet the habitual residence condition: returning emigrants may be treated as habitually resident straight away.
Health
In an emergency, go to A&E or ring 112 or 999. You can use the public health system if you "Have been living in Ireland for at least a year, or Plan to live here for at least one year."
After prison or deportation
The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas supports people coming home after prison: contact them before release. If you're being deported, the embassy can help. "Make sure to ask for a copy of your deportation papers before your return." You'll need them for welfare claims.
Still abroad
Contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate. The DFA's Consular Assistance Unit is on +353 1 408 2527 in office hours. "You can call +353 1 408 2000 for out-of-hours emergencies."
Common questions
What do I do if I return to Ireland homeless?
Contact the local authority where you want to live and apply for emergency accommodation. In Dublin, ring 1800 707 707.
Do I need to be on the housing list to get emergency accommodation?
No. Applying for social housing isn't a requirement for emergency accommodation.
Can I get social welfare without an Irish address?
Yes, if you show you're engaging with your local authority. In Dublin, the Homeless Persons Unit is on 1800 724 724.
Who helps Irish emigrants returning in crisis?
Crosscare's Irish Diaspora Support Project and Safe Home Ireland, plus the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas after prison.