Irish households hosting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine can now apply for a €400 payment to cover expenses.
The scheme opened for applications yesterday and the payments can be backdated to 4 March 2022 where accommodation has been provided since that date.
The tax-free payments are available to people who are providing, or have provided, accommodation to at least one person who has arrived in Ireland under an EU Directive which grants Ukrainians temporary protection.
Those applying for the scheme must meet accommodation standards and they are required to confirm this as part of their application
The scheme was set up to recognise the contribution of people who have offered up accommodation, whether in its entirety or a room, at their own expense.
A person providing accommodation to temporary protection beneficiaries on a commercial basis is ineligible to participate in the scheme.
It is available however to those who have made the hosting arrangement privately or through the Irish Red Cross pledge process.
