€38.80/week for International Protection applicants in Ireland
Daily Expenses Allowance Ireland 2026
A weekly payment for asylum seekers and International Protection applicants while their case is being processed. Paid by IPAS, not the DSP.
Daily Expenses Allowance 2026 — At a glance
- In IPAS accommodation
- €38.80/week
- In own accommodation
- €29.80/week
- Children under 18
- €29.80/week each
- Work allowed?
- Yes — after 6 months waiting for a first-instance decision
2026 Rates
| Person | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Adult in IPAS accommodation (hostel, emergency centre) | €38.80 |
| Adult living in own accommodation | €29.80 |
| Child under 18 (any accommodation) | €29.80 |
The allowance is paid weekly, usually directly to your bank account or through An Post. The rate difference reflects that IPAS accommodation includes meals and utilities, so adults in those centres have fewer out-of-pocket living expenses.
Who receives the DEA
- People who have formally applied for International Protection in Ireland
- Those placed in IPAS-provided accommodation (direct provision centres, emergency accommodation) or who have been given permission to live in their own accommodation while awaiting a decision
- The payment continues for as long as your International Protection application is being processed, including any appeals
The DEA is not available to undocumented people who have not applied for International Protection, nor to people on other immigration permissions such as work permits or student visas.
What the DEA is intended to cover
The Daily Expenses Allowance is designed to cover day-to-day personal spending that accommodation and food provided by IPAS does not include. This typically means:
- Toiletries, personal hygiene products and clothing
- Public transport costs for attending appointments, school or work
- Phone credit or data to stay in contact with family or legal representatives
- Small personal items not supplied by IPAS (stationery, school supplies for children)
- Any food or drink outside of what is provided in the accommodation
The DEA is not intended to cover accommodation or utility costs — those are provided separately by IPAS. For adults living in their own accommodation (who pay their own rent and bills), the DEA alone does not cover those costs, which is why additional supports such as HAP or Rent Supplement may also apply in certain cases.
Other supports available to International Protection applicants
The DEA is one part of a broader package of supports provided to people going through the International Protection process in Ireland. Other entitlements include:
| Support | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Provided free of charge by IPAS (hostels, emergency centres or own accommodation with HAP/Rent Supplement in some cases) |
| Meals | Provided in most IPAS centres — not in all own-accommodation arrangements |
| GP Visit Card | Applicants registered with IPAS are entitled to a GP Visit Card — free GP visits regardless of income |
| HSE healthcare | Access to HSE hospitals and specialist services |
| Education | Children can attend local primary and secondary schools. Adult English language classes also available. |
| Legal Aid | The Legal Aid Board provides legal representation for International Protection cases, usually free of charge |
Working while on the DEA
Since June 2018, International Protection applicants can apply for permission to work if they have been waiting more than 6 months for a first-instance decision on their case and have not yet received one.
To obtain work authorisation, you apply to the Department of Justice. If granted, you can take up employment and continue receiving the DEA. Your accommodation situation within IPAS may be reviewed if your income changes significantly.
Work authorisation lapses if your International Protection application is finally decided (refused or granted). If refused and you appeal, you may be able to apply to renew the work permission during the appeal period.
What happens when your case is decided
The International Protection process has several stages. The DEA continues throughout the process, including any appeal, until a final decision is made.
- If granted refugee status or subsidiary protection: the DEA stops. You become entitled to mainstream DSP payments (Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit and others) subject to the Habitual Residence Condition, which you will generally satisfy automatically.
- If granted Permission to Remain: same as above — DEA stops, DSP entitlements begin.
- If refused at appeal stage (final refusal): the DEA stops and you are expected to leave Ireland. A Voluntary Return programme is available through the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Contact IPAS
IPAS Helpline: 1800 310 510 (freephone, Monday to Friday)
Email: info@ipas.gov.ie
Website: gov.ie/ipas
If you have a query about your DEA payment, contact the IPAS helpline first. For legal queries about your International Protection case, contact the Legal Aid Board or a refugee support organisation such as NASC, the Irish Refugee Council, or Doras.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Daily Expenses Allowance?
A weekly payment for International Protection applicants (asylum seekers) in Ireland, paid by IPAS. It covers basic personal spending and is separate from DSP social welfare payments.
How much is the DEA in 2026?
€38.80/week in IPAS accommodation; €29.80/week if living in own accommodation; €29.80/week for each child under 18.
When does my DEA payment start?
Shortly after you are registered as an International Protection applicant. If payment has not started within 2 weeks of arrival, contact the IPAS helpline on 1800 310 510.
Can I work while on the DEA?
Yes, if you have been waiting 6 or more months for a first-instance decision. You must apply for work authorisation from the Department of Justice separately.
Do my children receive the DEA separately?
Yes. Each child under 18 receives €29.80 per week, paid to the parent or guardian on their behalf.
What happens when my case is decided?
If you receive protection status or Permission to Remain, the DEA stops and you become eligible for mainstream DSP payments. If your case is finally refused, the DEA also stops.
Can I appeal if my DEA is reduced or stopped?
Yes. Contact IPAS in writing to request a review. Support organisations such as NASC and the Irish Refugee Council can assist you.
Is the DEA the same as social welfare?
No. The DEA is paid by IPAS, not by the Department of Social Protection. It is not counted as social welfare for the purpose of the Habitual Residence Condition.
- The DEA is not a social welfare payment from DSP — it is paid by IPAS and operates entirely separately from the Jobseeker and welfare system.
- Undocumented people do not receive the DEA — it is only for people who have formally applied for International Protection and are registered with IPAS.
- Working while on the DEA is possible after 6 months — but only if your first-instance decision has not yet been issued. Once you receive a final decision (positive or negative), work authorisation rules change.
- The DEA payment is automatic once you are registered — you do not apply separately for it. However, any payment problems should be reported to the IPAS helpline promptly.
- The DEA continues during an appeal — if your first-instance decision is negative and you appeal, the DEA continues until the appeal process is concluded.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Daily Expenses Allowance rates and eligibility rules.
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.