Declare everything
Leaving out any income — even accidentally — is the most common cause of HAP rejection and delays. If you're unsure whether something counts, declare it anyway and let the council decide.
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How to fill in the income section
Field 1
Employment income (wages)
Enter your gross weekly income from employment — that's your pay before tax and PRSI are deducted. Use your most recent payslip. If your hours vary week to week, use an average of the last 4 weeks.
Where to find it: Your payslip under "Gross Pay". Not your take-home — the larger number before deductions.
Field 2
Social welfare payments
Include all social welfare you receive: Jobseeker's Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, Back to Education Allowance. List each payment separately with the weekly amount.
Where to find it: Your most recent social welfare letter or your MyWelfare.ie account.
Field 3
Self-employment income
If you're self-employed, enter your net profit — income minus business expenses. Use your most recent tax return (Form 11) as the basis. If you haven't filed yet, use your best estimate of current earnings.
Important: Bring your most recent Revenue assessment or accounts to the council if possible. Self-employment income is harder to verify and often causes delays.
Field 4
Part-time or second job income
If you work multiple jobs, declare income from all of them. Add together the gross weekly amounts from each employer. Each job needs its own payslip as supporting evidence.
Common mistake: People forget to include income from a second part-time job. The council cross-references with Revenue — discrepancies get flagged.
Field 5
Spouse or partner's income
If you have a partner living with you, their income must be declared too — even if they're not named on the tenancy. This includes their wages, social welfare, and any other income.
Both sets of documents needed: Your partner needs to provide their own payslips, social welfare letters, and PPS number.
What NOT to include
Child Benefit, Fuel Allowance, Living Alone Allowance, Back to School Clothing Allowance, and Domiciliary Care Allowance do not count as income for HAP purposes. Do not include these.
Special situations
Situation
You just started a new job
Use your employment contract or offer letter showing your salary. If you don't have a payslip yet, bring the contract to the council and explain the situation. They can proceed with an estimate and update later.
Situation
Your income varies week to week
Calculate an average using the last 4–6 payslips. Add the gross amounts together and divide by the number of weeks. Write this average in the income field and bring all payslips as evidence.
Situation
You receive income from abroad
Foreign income must be declared. Convert to euros using the current exchange rate. The council may ask for bank statements showing the transfers.
Related HAP guides
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