You apply to the Community Welfare Service at your local Intreo Centre. If it is paid while you wait for another payment, it is taken back out of that payment's arrears when they arrive.
Quick facts
- Personal rate (25+)
- €252 a week
- Adult dependant
- +€168.60
- Child under 12
- +€58
- Child 12 or over
- +€78
- Aged 18 to 24 at home
- €163.70
- Taxable?
- No
Who it is for
"Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs or the needs of their family."
If your income is below the SWA rate for your family, it can top you up to that rate. You also need to be living in the State, pass the means test, have applied for any other payment you may be entitled to, be registered for work if you are of working age, and meet the habitual residence condition.
While you wait for another payment
"If you applied for a social welfare payment or pension but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may get SWA while you are waiting for your payment."
What you are paid is taken out of the other payment's arrears when they come through.
Going back to work
"If you have returned to work, you can claim the basic SWA for up to 30 days while you are waiting for your wages."
Otherwise, working 30 hours or more a week normally rules you out. That limit is for the person claiming, not a spouse or partner, although a partner's earnings are counted.
How much in 2026
- Aged 25 and over: €252 a week
- Adult dependant: €168.60
- Each child under 12: €58; each child 12 or over: €78
- Aged 18 to 24 and not living independently: €163.70
People aged 18 to 24 with children get the full €252, and so do people aged 18 to 24 who were in Tusla care in the year before turning 18.
The means test
A couple's income is added together. "The first €5,000 of your capital is not taken into account." Child Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Guardian's Payment, the Carer's Support Grant and SUSI grants are among the payments that are ignored.
Renting out a room in your own home is ignored up to €14,000 a year. "The maximum income disregard is €269.23 a week (€14,000 per year)."
How to apply
Fill in a Supplementary Welfare Allowance claim form and bring it to the Community Welfare Service at your Intreo Centre. Bring PPS numbers, ID, proof of address and proof of any household income.
You can appeal a decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Common questions
How much is Supplementary Welfare Allowance in 2026?
€252 a week for a person aged 25 or over, plus €168.60 for an adult dependant and €58 or €78 for each child depending on age.
Can I get SWA while waiting for Jobseeker's?
Yes, if you have no other income. The amount you get is deducted from the arrears of your other payment when it is paid.
Can I get SWA when I start a new job?
Yes, for up to 30 days while you are waiting for your wages.
What is the SWA rate for under 25s?
€163.70 a week if you are 18 to 24 and not living independently. It is €252 if you have children, live independently with Rent Supplement, RAS or HAP, or were in Tusla care before 18.
Is Supplementary Welfare Allowance taxable?
No, Supplementary Welfare Allowance is not taxable.