Hosts across Ireland are still searching for clear answers about the gov.ie Accommodation Recognition Payment. This updated guide explains how the scheme works, who qualifies, what has changed, and what hosts need to know as payment rates and eligibility rules continue to evolve.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment, administered by the Department of Social Protection on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, is a monthly tax-free contribution for people providing accommodation to those who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The payment is made per eligible property, not per guest, and applies where accommodation is offered privately, through the Irish Red Cross pledge process, or via the Offer a Home scheme.
gov.ie Accommodation Recognition Payment: Key Rules and Payment Rates
The current monthly rate is €600 per eligible property. However, from 1 September 2026, the payment will return to €400 per month, with the first reduced payment issuing in October 2026 because the scheme is paid in arrears.
Hosts should also note the payment history:
- €400 from March 2022 to November 2022
- €800 from December 2022 to May 2025
- €600 from June 2025 to August 2026
- €400 from September 2026 onward
The scheme is scheduled to end on 31 March 2027.
The payment is not rent and does not create a landlord-tenant relationship. It is intended as recognition for hosting temporary protection beneficiaries for at least six months. It also remains exempt from means-testing for social welfare payments and certain public grants, a point relevant to households dealing with Revenue Commissioners questions or interactions with Social Protection supports.
Who Can Apply and What Has Changed
To qualify, an applicant must be aged 18 or over, have a PPSN, and provide accommodation in the Republic of Ireland that meets required standards. At least one eligible beneficiary must still be living in the property on the last day of the month being claimed for.
Applicants must also:
- Own the accommodation and have consent from other owners if needed
- Confirm there is no rental agreement in place
- Ensure the property has not been registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) at any point since 4 March 2022
A major policy change came into force from 3 March 2026. New applications are no longer accepted for properties registered with the RTB since 4 March 2022, and tenants in rental properties can no longer make new claims. This is one of the most significant updates on gov.ie for hosts monitoring Ireland housing support and temporary protection accommodation rules.
Applications, Backdating and Overpayments
The fastest way to apply is online through MyWelfare. Hosts will need personal details, bank account information, the property Eircode, and the names, PPSNs, and accommodation dates for the beneficiaries being hosted.
Payments are issued by EFT on the second Tuesday of each month. From 1 January 2026, claims may be backdated to the hosting start date for up to six months.
If a hosting arrangement ends early, hosts are generally not required to repay money for the period during which the beneficiary genuinely lived in the accommodation. But if a payment was made in error, the Department of Social Protection may seek recovery. Queries can be directed to ARP@welfare.ie or 0818 708090.
Notably, Garda vetting is not required to avail of the scheme, despite common public confusion involving An Garda Síochána checks and other public body procedures.
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What Hosts Should Take Away
The gov.ie Accommodation Recognition Payment remains an important support for households helping people covered by temporary protection, but the rules are becoming tighter. The reduced rate from September 2026, the RTB-related restrictions, and the scheme end date of March 2027 make it essential for hosts to check eligibility carefully and keep their claim details updated.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
