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Applying for HAP online

Online Applications for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) section within the Housing Department of Cork City Council has launched an Online Application Portal for citizens who are qualified for Social Housing and wish to apply for HAP.

We are excited to launch the new online application process for HAP. This will only be necessary for new applicants. Those who have already applied need not apply again. We believe the new online portal will make the application process more efficient and easier for everyone.

HAP is a financial support to assist those who rent accommodation privately, who are eligible for social housing support.

The online portal is now live for applicants in Cork City. This will mean that any person who is entitled to Social Housing and wants to apply for HAP will be able to do so online.

An online application ensures that all necessary information is submitted at the time of the application including all necessary documentation. As a result, applications and documents will be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support for those in need of long-term housing.

Applicants for HAP must be on their Local Authority’s Housing waiting list before they can complete the online application form – a valid Social Housing number is required for the application.

Please note the following advice in relation to HAP tenancies:

  • You can only apply for HAP if you are approved for Social Housing support with Cork City Council
  •  The family details on your Social Housing file and HAP form must match. If not, please update your Housing file prior to applying for HAP
  • Please send us evidence of a change in financial circumstances by email to hap@corkcity.ie We request that any documents from Department of Social Protection be scanned/photographed and sent to this email address.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage recognises the additional pressures that both landlords and tenants face in relation to the current housing situation and is working with local authorities and the HAP Shared Services Centre to ensure that HAP tenancies continue during this period.

  • Am I eligible to apply?
  • How it works
  • How to apply for HAP online
  • Making a Payment
  • Contact Information
Am I eligible to apply?

Persons applying for HAP must be a qualified housing applicant(s) before they can apply. Click here for information on applying for council housing.

How it works

If you qualify as an approved housing applicant, you must find your own privately rented accommodation (within certain rent limits). The landlord will be paid directly by the Local Authority and the tenant will pay rent to the local authority based on the differential rent scheme. The rent will be based on your weekly household income and works in the same way that the differential rents charged to local authority houses work.

For more information please refer to Tenant & Landlord documents in the supporting documents below.

How to apply for HAP online

Online Application

Making a Payment – Paying Your HAP Weekly Rent
  • HAP App -  download in Play Store (HAP Recipient ID No. and PIN required)
  • Online at https://happayments.limerick.ie (HAP Recipient ID No. and PIN required)
  • Phone 061-529654 (HAP Recipient ID No. and PIN required)
  • HAP Billpay Card in any post office or POSTPOINT shop

If you require confirmation of PIN/HAP Recipient ID please contact: HAP Shared Services Centre or hap@corkcity.ie Phone: +353 61 556600 (Option 1 – tenants) or hapcollections@limerick.ie

Click here to download more information about accessing the HAP scheme

Contact Information

HAP Shared Services Centre

Phone: +353 61 556600 Option 1 for tenants Option 2 for landlords

HAP Cork City Council

HAP General Queries 021 4924000

hap@corkcity.ie

Please Note: Cork City Council HAP deals only with HAP queries relating to Cork City HAP tenancies.