Ukrainians in Ireland may lose public housing or social benefits: NGOs call for review of new rules

In Ireland, 121 NGOs have called on the government to reconsider planned changes to the support system for Ukrainians who are in the country under temporary protection. In their opinion, the innovations may force some refugees to choose between maintaining their state housing and receiving social benefits.

The situation of Ukrainians with disabilities living in state housing as part of the temporary protection program is of greatest concern.

According to the Ukrainian Civil Society Forum, some recipients of Disability Allowance may be forced to refuse this payment in order to maintain the right to live in state housing.

At the same time, NGOs note that Ukrainians are receiving contradictory explanations from state authorities. Some are informed that receiving social assistance may affect the right to use state housing, while others are informed that living in such housing may become an obstacle to receiving social benefits.

Of particular concern is the possibility of resettlement of Ukrainians to other regions of Ireland. According to representatives of the public sector, this could lead to a loss of access to regular medical services, specialized assistance for people with disabilities, and already established social support networks.

There is also a risk of family separation. If a person with a disability is allowed to remain in public housing, while their relatives who provide daily care are forced to move, this could significantly complicate the provision of the necessary support.

Representatives of public organizations emphasize that the simultaneous reduction of public housing and support for families hosting Ukrainian refugees could have serious consequences for the most vulnerable categories of people who were forced to leave Ukraine due to the war.

According to the UN, as of April 30, 2026, there were 5.762 million Ukrainian refugees outside Ukraine, excluding Russia, of whom more than 5.2 million live in European countries.

The Irish broadcaster RTE reports on the possible changes.