There are a range of disability and carer-related supports available to people returning to Ireland.
Disability Supports
If you are returning to Ireland and have a disability, there are various supports you can apply for. Visit the HSE website for more information on the range of services for people with disabilities, including basic health services and care options.
The Citizens Information website lists disability and illness-related social welfare payments. To access certain payments, like Disability Allowance, you will need to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) as well as a means test and payment specific criteria. Some returning Irish citizens can face difficulties with HRC – read our comprehensive guide on this here.
Returning to Care for Someone in Ireland
If you are returning to Ireland to care for someone, the supports you can avail of depend on whether you intend to return to Ireland temporarily or permanently. For instance, to access social welfare supports you will either need to have sufficient social insurance contributions (e.g. for Carer’s Benefit), or satisfy a mean test and the Habitual Residence Condition (e.g. Carer’s Allowance). Some returning Irish citizens can face difficulties with HRC, so we recommend you read our comprehensive guide on this here.
The HSE website has useful information on supports if you are caring for someone with a disability. You can also read more about social welfare payments for carers on the Citizens Information website.
Page last updated on 12 September, 2023
