Financial Support

Many women experiencing domestic abuse believe or have been told by the perpetrator that they have no options or alternatives. This simply isn’t true. There are a number of things that you are entitled to, including a basic income for yourself and your children.
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We can offer direct advice to the best services available for your needs, particularly in emergency situations.

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First Steps

Supports we offer

Bank Account

Everyone has the right to a bank account. A basic current account can allow you to control your own money and allow easier access to available funds and financial supports/benefits.

All retail banks in Ireland offer similar current account banking options which would allow you to receive money, make payments and have a debit card.
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There are generally no maintenance or day-to-day fees for a basic bank account for the first 12 months, but you should ask about fees and charges before you open your account.

Citizens Information

Citizen’s Information Centres provide a free, confidential and impartial information service. They provide advice and advocacy to the public on their rights and entitlements including social welfare, income support and rent supplement.

Citizens Information West Cork Office is located in Bantry.

Website: www.citizensinformation.ie

M.A.B.S.

Monetary advice and budgeting service (M.A.B.S) offers free, independent and confidential financial advice. It offers a non-judgmental money advice and budgeting service to the public.

If you have a problem with debt or are at risk of getting into debt, M.A.B.S will work with you to find a solution. M.A.B.S does not lend money but they can review a budget with you, negotiate with creditors and look at opportunities to maximise your income.

M.A.B.S West Cork Office is located in Dunmanway.

Website: www.mabs.ie

Social Welfare

The social welfare system offers support for people who might need help due to various life situations. There are 3 types of payments available – Social Insurance Payments, Social Assistance Payments and Universal Payments.

With all social welfare payments, you must meet specific criteria in each scheme to qualify for the support payment. To apply for social welfare payments, you should contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

West Cork Offices are located in Bantry, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Bandon and Macroom.

Community Welfare Service

The Community Welfare Service provides additional financial support to people who have either no income or a low income that fails to meet their basic requirements. These services are provided by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) who work for the Department of Social Protection (DSP).

The CWOs are involved in the administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. This includes payments for Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Diet & Heating Supplements, Rent Supplement and Additional Needs Payments.

The CWO can give supplementary welfare payments even if you are waiting for social welfare to come through. You can apply to the CWO at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

West Cork Offices are located in Bantry, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Bandon and Macroom.

Child Maintenance

In Ireland, the law requires that all parents, whether married or unmarried, must provide support for their dependent children. There are 3 main ways that you can come to a maintenance agreement – a voluntary maintenance agreement, a voluntary maintenance agreement using mediation or legal help and a maintenance order.

If it is possible for both parties to agree an informal maintenance agreement using either of the voluntary methods. This does not rule out applying for a maintenance order through the courts in the future.

A Maintenance Order is a court order made by a judge setting out any terms of financial support for the applicant and/or any dependent children.

If you are seeking a Maintenance Order, you can go through your local District Court and get the Court Clerk to issue a Maintenance Summons against the other parent. Paying Maintenance does not in itself give a parent access of guardianship rights.

We can guide you through the process, offering advice & support at each stage of seeking a Maintenance Order.

Our Supports

Call our Helpline: 1800 203 136 - Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm