How to apply for the HSE Home Support Service

Who this is for

• People aged 65 or over who need help to keep living at home or to return home after a hospital stay, whether they are at home, in hospital or in a nursing home wanting to go home.^[1][2]
• Some people under 65, for example with early onset dementia or a disability.^[1]
• Family members applying on someone’s behalf with their knowledge and consent.^[2][3]

Before you start

• Your Eircode and PPS number, which the HSE uses to find your individual health identifier; the PPS number is on a payslip, a Revenue letter, a social services card or a medical card.^[3]
• Your GP’s details, the names of any healthcare professionals involved, and details of other community supports you already get.^[3]
• Copies (never originals) of any Decision Support Service arrangement, enduring power of attorney or court appointment, if someone is applying for you on that basis.^[2][3]

Step by step

1. 1

   Get the form

   Download the Home Support Service application form (an Irish-language version is also published) or ask your local Home Support Office for one. The form can also be posted to you by HSE Live on freephone 1800 700 700.^[2][3][7] In hospital, ask the person managing your discharge plan (a nurse, discharge coordinator or social worker) for the form as early as possible in your stay to avoid delays going home; they can help complete it and send it on.^[2][7]
2. 2

   Complete the twelve parts

   Parts cover your details, a nominated contact person, any decision support arrangements, household and caregiver details, where you live, your GP, other community supports, healthcare professionals, additional information, consumer directed home support, the privacy statement and the declaration. Use the checklist on page 24.^[3] If someone else fills it in for you, it must be with your knowledge and consent: a spouse, partner, adult child or stepchild, a nominated family member or carer, your GP or a registered nurse, another registered professional such as a social worker or occupational therapist, or a person with legal authority (ward of court committee, registered enduring power of attorney, or court-appointed decision-making representative, with copies of the documents).^[2]
3. 3

   Sign the declaration in Part 12

   If you are applying yourself you sign the declaration and consent in Part 12. Only someone legally allowed to act for you can sign it instead of you.^[2][3] The declaration includes the statement that if your needs can be met through other community services you may not receive home support at this time.^[3] Citizens Information places the declaration in Part 1; the current HSE form puts it in Part 12.^[7]
4. 4

   Post it to your local Home Support Office

   Send the form and any supporting documents to the office for your area; the HSE lists every office with its address and phone number.^[2][5] Examples: Cavan, 2nd Floor, Blackstone, Kilmore Business Centre, Cavan, H12 TN67, 049 435 2421; Cork (South Lee and West Cork), Room 52, Floor 1, Block 8, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, T12 XH60, 021 492 3864.^[5]
5. 5

   Have the needs assessment

   The HSE arranges an assessment, usually by a public health nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, looking at everyday activities such as bathing, shopping, dressing and moving around, the services you already receive, family and community support, and your own wishes and preferences.^[4] The HSE then writes to you with the outcome, based on the assessment and other community supports available; the support may be at home or in another setting such as day care.^[4]
6. 6

   If refused, ask for a review within 20 days

   Write to your local Home Support Office within 20 days of the letter explaining why you disagree, and the decision is reviewed.^[4] If approved while in hospital, you may get support to return home and be reassessed shortly afterwards; support can be increased, reduced or kept the same whenever your situation changes, so tell the office about hospital stays, respite or a temporary move to family.^[4]

Documents to have ready

What the service is and is not

Consumer directed home support

If you are approved for consumer directed home support you receive a letter confirming a weekly amount of funding. The number of hours depends on the provider’s rates and on the days and times you choose, and providers may not charge more than the rates agreed with the HSE or add extra fees.^[6] County lists of approved providers are published as PDFs on the HSE’s provider page.^[6] FairCare lists home care providers with the details their own websites confirm; it does not say which are HSE-approved unless a provider’s page states it.

Regulation is coming, not yet in force

Citizens Information reports that the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 passed in June 2026. When enacted it will bring registration and regulation of home support providers by HIQA and make it an offence to run a service without registration. Until then there is no statutory register of home support providers.^[7]

The service does not replace informal care you already have, and does not offer 24-hour care.^[7] Carers may qualify for Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or the Carer’s Support Grant: see the carer’s payments guide.

What happens next

Expect a written outcome after the assessment. Keep the letter, contact the office if your needs change, and ask for a review within 20 days if the decision is a refusal.^[4]

If something goes wrong

Your local Home Support Office (HSE list), or HSE Live on freephone 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm; from outside Ireland 00 353 1 240 8787.^[5][8] Complaints: in person, at the HSE complaints and feedback page, by email to yoursay@hse.ie, or in writing to your Home Support Office.^[7]

Common questions

Is home support means tested?

No. It is free, your income is not checked and you do not need a medical card.

How many hours will I get?

The HSE does not publish a figure. The level depends on the needs assessment and on other community supports available; if you want more than the HSE offers, you pay for the extra yourself.

Can the service do housework or shopping?

The HSE describes personal care tasks such as getting up, dressing and showering. Housework is not listed on the pages we read, so ask the assessor what your plan will include.

How long is the wait?

No HSE or Citizens Information page publishes a waiting time. Applying early, especially before hospital discharge, is the advice the HSE gives.