Social Housing: What Are the Income Limits in 2025?
As housing pressures continue across Ireland, more individuals and families are turning to social housing as a long-term solution. Whether you’re facing rising rent, financial instability, or looking for affordable accommodation, understanding the income thresholds for social housing in Ireland is essential.
In 2025, the Irish Government has maintained a banded income limit system that determines eligibility based on your location and household size. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Social Housing?
Social housing is accommodation provided by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to people who cannot afford to secure housing through the private market. Tenants pay rent based on their income, and properties are usually long-term or lifetime tenancies.
To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria, including being unable to provide housing from their own resources and falling within certain income limits.
Income Limits for Social Housing in Ireland (2025)
Ireland uses a three-band income threshold system based on local housing demand and costs. These limits apply to net income—your take-home pay after taxes and deductions such as PRSI, USC, and pension contributions.
Band 1 – €40,000 Limit (High-Demand Areas)
Applies to:
- Dublin City
- Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown
- Fingal
- South Dublin
- Cork City
- Galway City
- Meath
- Kildare
- Wicklow
Example:
A single adult applying for social housing in Dublin must have a net annual income of €40,000 or less.
Band 2 – €35,000 Limit (Moderate Demand)
Applies to:
- Carlow
- Clare
- Cork County
- Galway County
- Kerry
- Kilkenny
- Laois
- Limerick
- Louth
- Waterford
- Westmeath
- Wexford
Band 3 – €30,000 Limit (Lower-Demand Areas)
Applies to:
- Cavan
- Donegal
- Leitrim
- Longford
- Mayo
- Monaghan
- Offaly
- Roscommon
- Sligo
- Tipperary
How Household Size Affects the Income Limit
Income thresholds increase based on the number of people in your household:
- Additional adults: Add 5% per person, up to 10%
- Children: Add 2.5% per child (no cap)
Example (Band 1 – Base €40,000):
- Single adult: €40,000
- Single adult + 1 child: €41,000
- Couple + 2 children: €44,000 (€40,000 + 5% for partner + 2.5% x 2)
This scaling system ensures larger households aren’t unfairly excluded.
How Income Is Calculated
- Based on the net average household income over the previous 12 months
- Includes wages, social welfare, pensions, self-employment, and other earnings
- Deductions like income tax, PRSI, USC, and Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC) are subtracted
Note: Some social welfare payments (e.g., Child Benefit, Fuel Allowance) may be excluded from the calculation.
How to Apply for Social Housing
- Contact your local authority or visit their website
- Complete the social housing application form (HPL1)
- Submit supporting documents (proof of income, ID, rent history, etc.)
- Await assessment and possible interview
If approved, you’ll be added to the housing waiting list and may be offered a property or placed on a choice-based letting system.
Final Word
With the housing crisis ongoing, understanding the income thresholds for social housing is crucial. These limits are designed to help those most in need—but it’s vital to stay informed, apply early, and ensure your income is correctly assessed.
For personalised advice, speak to your local authority’s housing section, or visit CitizensInformation.ie.
Stay informed with itson.ie.
Share this content:
