€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
- Who pays it?
- IPAS — not DSP
- Can I work?
- Yes — after 6 months waiting for a first-instance decision
2026 Rates
| Person | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Adult in IPAS accommodation | €38.80 |
| Adult in own accommodation | €29.80 |
| Child under 18 | €29.80 |
The allowance is paid weekly, usually directly to your bank account or by An Post.
Who receives it
- People who have applied for International Protection in Ireland
- Those placed in IPAS-provided accommodation (hostels, emergency accommodation, own accommodation)
- The payment continues while your International Protection application is being processed
It is not available to undocumented people who have not applied for International Protection, nor to people on other immigration permissions (work permits, student visas etc).
Contact IPAS
IPAS Helpline: 1800 310 510 (freephone)
Email: info@ipas.gov.ie
Website: gov.ie/ipas
Frequently asked questions
What is the Daily Expenses Allowance?
A weekly payment for International Protection applicants (asylum seekers) in Ireland, paid by IPAS. Not a DSP social welfare payment.
How much is it in 2026?
€38.80/week in IPAS accommodation; €29.80/week in own accommodation; €29.80/week for children under 18.
When does payment start?
Shortly after registration as an International Protection applicant. Contact the IPAS helpline (1800 310 510) if payment has not started within 2 weeks.
Can I work while receiving it?
Yes, if you have been waiting 6+ months for a first-instance decision and receive work authorisation.
What happens when my case is decided?
If you are granted protection status or permission to remain, the DEA stops and you can apply for mainstream DSP payments.
- 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.
- Having a work permit while on the DEA is possible after 6 months — but only if your first-instance decision has not been issued. Once you get protection status, the DEA stops.
- The payment is automatic once you are registered as an International Protection applicant — you do not apply separately for the DEA itself.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Daily Expenses Allowance rates.