Health & Older People
Home Support Service Ireland 2026
The HSE's Home Support Service provides funded personal care hours to older people and people with disabilities — free of charge — so they can remain living safely at home instead of moving to residential care. Hours are allocated after a needs assessment.
HOME SUPPORT SERVICE — AT A GLANCE
| Who qualifies | Adults 65+ or adults with disability/chronic illness needing support at home |
| Cost to recipient | Free (no means test currently) |
| Hours per week | Individually assessed — typically 5–30+ hours |
| What it covers | Personal care (washing, dressing), mobility support, light household tasks |
| How to apply | Via GP, public health nurse, or HSE community office |
| Decision maker | HSE case manager after needs assessment |
| Statutory scheme | New statutory entitlement scheme being implemented in 2026 |
What home support covers
- Personal hygiene — washing, bathing, dressing, grooming
- Toileting and continence care
- Preparation of meals
- Assistance with mobility and transfers (getting in/out of bed, walking)
- Medication prompts (not administration — that remains with a nurse)
- Light household tasks essential to well-being (laundry, tidy kitchen)
Home support does not cover nursing care, medical treatment, or 24-hour supervision. These require a separate nursing home or residential care assessment.
The Fair Deal Scheme
For people who cannot remain at home even with support, the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) provides State funding for nursing home care, with the resident contributing based on income and assets. Home Support is the first step — Fair Deal is for those who need full-time residential care.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone under 65 get home support in Ireland?
Yes. The Home Support Service is not age-restricted. Adults under 65 with a disability or chronic illness that affects their ability to carry out daily living tasks can also receive home support hours through the same assessment process.
Will I lose my home support if my condition improves?
Hours are reviewed regularly. If your needs decrease, your hours may be reduced accordingly. If your needs increase, you can request a reassessment. The goal is to match hours to current need — there is no "use it or lose it" penalty.
Can a family member be paid to provide home support?
Generally, home support is provided by approved professional carers — not family members. However, in some limited rural or exceptional circumstances, a family member may be assessed and approved as a provider. This is the exception rather than the rule.
What is the difference between home support and Carer's Allowance?
Home Support is a service (hours of care delivered by an HSE-funded carer). Carer's Allowance is a social welfare payment to a person who provides full-time informal care to someone. These are separate — a person can receive both home support hours and have a family carer in receipt of Carer's Allowance.
Does home support affect eligibility for the Medical Card?
No. Receiving home support does not reduce your Medical Card entitlement or income-related benefits. These are separate schemes administered by different parts of the HSE.
How do I appeal if I am refused home support or given too few hours?
Request the written decision from your HSE case manager including the reasons. You can ask for a reassessment if your circumstances have changed, or escalate to the HSE's internal complaints process. You can also contact the Ombudsman if you believe the decision was unreasonable.
Official sources
This page reflects Home Support Service information as of 2026. Service capacity and waiting times vary by HSE area — contact your local community health office for current availability.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.