Are you entitled to once-off Govt payment of €1,450 to help with cost of living crisis?

The government is making a once-off payment to people struggling with the continuing cost-of-living crisis, and those eligible could receive up to €1,450, subject to two requirements.

The payment has been introduced to add to the income of individuals struggling to make ends meet when their weekly income does not cover the increasing cost-of-living expenses.

The Additional Needs Payment is a payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income.

You may get an Additional Needs Payment if you are:

• Getting a social welfare payment, or
• Working and on a low income, regardless of the number of hours that you work

You may get this payment even if you are not getting a social welfare payment.

According to Citizen's Information, you can get the Additional Needs Payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income.

For example:

• An increase in your fuel or electricity costs
• Essential repairs to property, including motor vehicles, and replacing household appliances and furniture
• Funeral costs
• Deposits for private rented accommodation
• Bedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first time
• Food, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or flood
• Recurring travel costs to hospital for appointments, or for visiting a relative in hospital or prison
• Prams, buggies, cots, or essential child safety equipment

To qualify for an Additional Needs Payment, you must:

• Live in Ireland, and
• Have an income below the 'weekly household income' limit – see here

When you apply for an Additional Needs Payment, your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO).

The CWO will look at your circumstances and decide if you qualify for the payment.

In some cases, the CWO can provide a payment if your income is above the weekly household income limit, but it will depend on your circumstances.

Amounts payable include €1,450, €1,200 and €700.

However, there is no set rate for an Additional Needs Payment.

The amount you get will depend on your circumstances and what you need help with.

You can apply through mywelfare.ie here