Fingal County Council provides social housing assistance to individuals and families who are unable to afford suitable accommodation in the private market. This assistance includes Council-owned housing, the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), long-term leasing arrangements, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), and housing provided through approved housing bodies.
Due to the high demand, it is essential to thoroughly understand the application process before applying. This guide is based on official information from Fingal County Council and covers eligibility criteria, required documents, how to apply, how to check the status of your application, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Applicants should always check the official website of Fingal County Council for the most up-to-date information, as policies and requirements may change over time.
Eligibility Requirements for Fingal County Council Housing
To be eligible for social housing assistance in Fingal, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Residency or Local Connection: You (or a member of your family) must either reside within the Fingal administrative area or have a local connection to it. A local connection will be deemed to exist if
- A household member has lived in Fingal for a continuous 5-year period at any time.
- A household member is employed in Fingal or within 15 km of the area.
- A household member is in full-time education in Fingal.
- A household member with an enduring physical, sensory, mental health, or intellectual impairment attends a related educational or medical facility in Fingal.
- A relative of a household member has lived in Fingal for at least 2 years.
- In very exceptional circumstances, applications without any local connection may also be accepted, provided that your housing needs can only be met by Fingal County Council.
- Income Limits: Your family’s net income must fall within the following maximum limits (these are the current limits; please refer to the official page for any updates):
| Household Composition | Max Net Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | €40,000 |
| 2 adults, no children | €42,000 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | €41,000 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | €42,000 |
| 2 adults, 1 child | €43,000 |
| 2 adults, 2 children | €44,000 |
| 2 adults, 3 children | €45,000 |
| 2 adults, 4 or more children | €46,000 |
| 3 adults, 4 or more children | €48,000 |
Note: Income is assessed strictly based on the preceding 12 months, encompassing employment, self-employment, social welfare, and maintenance. In certain specific cases, certain amounts received through social welfare may be excluded from the assessment; full details regarding this are provided in the ‘Household Means Policy’.
Required Documents
| Category | Required Documents |
| Identity | Current Passport or Irish Driving Licence for all adults; Birth Certificates for all household members. |
| PPS Numbers | Proof of PPSN for everyone on the application (e.g., P60, Public Services Card). |
| Income Proof | Employment Detail Summary (from Revenue MyAccount) and at least 4 of your last 6 payslips. |
| Residency | Proof of current address (utility bill or lease agreement) and proof of citizenship/residency status. |
| Financials | HVD-Form 1 (if applying on medical grounds) and bank statements if requested. |
How to Apply?
You can submit your application in three ways:
- Online (DORAS Portal): The fastest way is via the Fingal DORAS Portal. You can upload digital copies of your documents directly.
- By Email: Scan your completed form and supporting documents and send them to housing.allocations@fingal.ie.
- By Post/Drop-off: you can submit by post- Address: Housing Support Section, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 W638.
Drop-box: There is a secure drop-box located outside the main entrance of the Blanchardstown office.
Application Process
- Download the form: Get the latest Application for Social Housing Support here: PDF download. You can also read the simple guide available on the Fingal website.
- Gather documents: Use the checklist on the Application form.
- Submit your application. You can choose a method:
- Post: Housing Support Team, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 W638.
- Drop box: Outside the main entrance at the Fingal County Council offices.
- Email: housing.support@fingal.ie (or housing.allocations@fingal.ie for some forms).
This process typically takes up to 12 weeks. You will receive a written decision confirming whether you have been included on the housing list. If approved, you will be issued a housing reference number.
Medical priority or urgent cases: Submit the separate HMD-Form 1 with your application for review by the Medical/Welfare Committee.
Checking Your Application Status
Application Status Check
After submitting your application to Fingal County Council, the assessment process typically takes 12 weeks or longer; this depends on the number of applications and the completeness of your documents.
Acknowledgment
Once your application is received, you will get an acknowledgment letter or email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted.
DORAS Portal (Online Applications)
If you applied online through the DORAS portal, you can log in to track your application status. Common status updates include:
- Pending – Your application is under review
- Information Required – Additional documents or details are needed
- Qualified – You meet the eligibility criteria and are approved
Contact for Updates
If you have not received any update after 12 weeks, you can contact the Housing Support team directly by phone: (01) 890 5000. You must be sure to have your application reference number ready when making inquiries.
FAQs
Can I apply if I don’t live in Fingal?
Yes, but you must prove a “local connection” (e.g., you work in Fingal, have lived there for the last 5+ years, or your immediate family members have lived there for more than 5 years).
What if more applicants than homes?
A priority scheme applies based on household needs, residence for a period exceeding 12 months, and employment or education within a 70 km radius.
Is HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) separate?
Yes, pre-qualification is required as a social housing applicant for HAP.
How long is the waiting list?
The waiting period can vary significantly depending on your priority level and chosen area. It is common for applicants to remain on this list for several years.
Conclusion
Applying for social housing through Fingal County Council requires careful preparation and complete documentation. By understanding the eligibility criteria, submitting accurate information, and regularly checking the status of your application, you can increase the likelihood of your application being approved. Always refer to the official website for the latest updates and guidelines.