Social housing support (council housing list)
Not a payment. It puts you on the council's housing list. That can lead to a council home or an approved housing body home. Qualifying also opens the door to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Last checked October 2026
What it is
How you apply to your county or city council to be assessed for social housing support. It is for people who cannot afford to buy their own homes. It is not a payment. If you are assessed as eligible, you go on the council's housing list. That can lead to a council home or an approved housing body home. Qualifying for social housing support is also what opens the door to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Whether you qualify depends on your household income, with a limit that depends on your council area and household size, on a long-term right to reside in Ireland and on other tests. Contact your local authority for an application form. Income is assessed under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Household Means Policy 2026.
Who can get it
- Your household income is under the limit for your council area and household size
- You have a long-term right to reside in Ireland
- Other tests include whether you own other accommodation and any rent arrears from a previous tenancy with a repayment arrangement
- The limit depends on your council area and household size, so check it with your council before you apply.
- Your income is worked out as your household's net average income over the previous 12 months, following the Household Means Policy 2026.
- The council also takes account of any special circumstances such as disability, age and medical circumstances.
- If you refuse two reasonable offers in 12 months you are suspended from the list for 12 months.
How to apply
Contact your local authority for an application form. The same application also covers approved housing body support.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 29 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How do I apply?
Contact your local authority for an application form. The gov.ie page gives no opening or closing dates.
What does it lead to?
If you are assessed as eligible, you go on the council's housing list. That can lead to a council home or an approved housing body home. Qualifying for social housing support is also what opens the door to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
What is the income limit?
It depends on your council area and household size. Your council can tell you the limit that applies to you.
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