The council has 12 weeks to decide. If you qualify you go on its housing list, and you can pick up to 3 areas you would like to live in. Getting HAP takes you off the list, unless you ask for a transfer within 2 weeks.
Quick facts
- Dublin, Cork City, Galway City, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow
- €40,000
- Carlow, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry and others
- €35,000
- Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and others
- €30,000
- Each extra adult
- +5% (up to 10%)
- Each child
- +2.5%
- Decision
- Within 12 weeks
The main rules
- You can only apply to one housing authority
- You must live in its area or have a local connection, though this can be waived
- Your household income must be below that area's limit
- You need a long-term right to remain in Ireland
- You must have no suitable alternative accommodation, and be in need of housing
People with temporary protection, such as Ukrainians fleeing the war, can't apply, because their right to stay is not long-term.
The income limits
These are the net limits for a single person:
- €40,000: Cork City, Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Galway City, Meath, South Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow
- €35,000: Carlow, Clare, Cork County, Galway County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford
- €30,000: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary
Add 5% for each extra adult, up to 10%, and 2.5% for each child. The council uses your average net income over the 12 months before it got your form.
How to apply
Download the form from your council's website, or ask its housing department. Include photo ID, proof of address and proof of income: a Department of Social Protection statement of your payments, or your Statement of Liability and payslips from Revenue.
Your Citizens Information Centre can help with the form, and the council can check it is complete before you hand it in. If you have a disability or medical need, add the HMD form so it can be taken into account.
Leaving domestic violence: keep your time on the list
Since 1 July 2026: "If you are a victim of domestic violence and want to move to a new local authority area, you can now transfer any time you have already spent on a social housing waiting list to the new area."
You need to give evidence of the abuse and meet the new council's criteria. The council can waive its local connection rule.
After you apply
"The local authority has 12 weeks from receiving your completed application form to assess it and make a decision on whether you qualify for social housing or not."
If you are refused, ask for the reasons, use the council's internal appeal, and then the Ombudsman within 12 months. While you wait, you may be able to get Rent Supplement or HAP.
What the rent will be
Council rents are differential: they are based on your household's income, so a low income means a low rent. Each council has its own scheme, and a hardship clause lets it reduce the rent in particular cases.
Council homes are unfurnished. The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme can help with furniture if you can't afford it.
Common questions
What is the income limit for social housing in Ireland?
For a single person it is €40,000, €35,000 or €30,000 net a year, depending on the council. It rises 5% for each extra adult, up to 10%, and 2.5% for each child.
Can I apply for social housing in more than one county?
No. You can only apply to one housing authority, although you can pick up to 3 areas of choice within its area or county.
How long does a social housing application take?
The council has 12 weeks from receiving your completed form to decide, which can be extended if it needs more information.
Do I stay on the housing list if I get HAP?
No, HAP takes you off the list. But if you apply for a transfer within 2 weeks of your HAP confirmation letter, your time on the list can still count.
Can I keep my time on the list if I move because of domestic violence?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026 you can transfer the time you have spent on a housing list to a new council area, with evidence of the abuse.