Changes to income and accommodation supports for arrivals from Ukraine

13 Mar 2024

 

On 13 March 2024, new legislation to bring into effect a revised approach to supporting new arrivals from Ukraine has been commenced.

The Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 implements recently announced changes to the income supports provided to newly arriving Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in Ireland.

On 12 December 2023, the Department of the Taoiseach announced changes to state-provided accommodation and financial assistance for BOTPs.  The changes are the result of a review of the Government’s approach to supporting BOTPs, and are intended to bring Ireland more in line with other Member States. The analysis found that Ireland’s offering was set at a higher level than most other Member States.

Under the revised approach, from Thursday 14 March, newly arriving BOTPs who seek State accommodation will be provided with accommodation in Arrival Centres for a maximum of 90 days, after which residents must source their own accommodation. During this period, they will also receive reduced income support in the form of a weekly allowance.

Arrival Centres will provide newly arrived BOTPs with basic needs such as food, health assistance and information on entitlements. No state-supported accommodation will be provided after the 90 days elapses, other than the supports provided through the Offer A Home or pledged accommodation schemes. The Centres will provide assistance to residents with finding their own accommodation and to integrate with local communities.

Similarly to International Protection Applicants, BOTPs will be now entitled to a weekly allowance of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child to cover daily expenses, so long as they remain residing in an Arrival Centre. This change was given effect through the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024.

When BOTPs leave the Arrival Centre, they will be entitled to apply for standard social protection assistance, subject to meeting the standard eligibility conditions.

These changes do not apply to those already in State accommodation, however the Department sought to remind BOTPs that this accommodation is by its nature short-term.

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