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Communication Support

The Communication Support Grant helps people with disabilities access communication assistance during job interviews, inductions, meetings, and performance reviews in the private sector.

Who Can Apply?

  • Employees
  • Job seekers
  • Employers
  • Self-employed individuals

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Meet the general eligibility criteria for the Work and Access program.
  • Be deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech impairment, or another disability requiring communication support.

Types of Support Available:

Interview Support:

  • 1 hour for preparation
  • 3 hours for an interpreter during the interview
  • Applies to as many interviews as needed.

Job Induction Support:

  • Up to 12 hours of interpreter support in the first year.

In-Work Communication Support:

  • Up to 24 hours of interpreter support per year.
  • 10 hours for workplace needs assessment.
  • Up to 30 hours based on needs assessment recommendation.

Finding an Interpreter:

  • You (or an advocate) are responsible for finding a qualified interpreter.
  • The interpreter must be:
    • Registered with the Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters (risli.ie) or a recognised interpreter service.
    • Tax compliance with a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) or Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN).
  • The Sign Language Interpreting Service can help find an interpreter.

How Much Does the Grant Cover?

  • The grant amount depends on the interpreter's qualifications and experience.
  • Payment usually goes to the agency if hired through one.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is developing an online application process, which will be available soon.

In the meantime, follow the process below.

Individuals

To apply for any of the supports available through the Work and Access Programme, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the application form

  • Request the form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.
  • If you are unsure about the support needed, you only complete the relevant section on the WA1 Form.
  • Provide quotes to support your application (see Quotes in Appendix 6 of the Operational Guidelines).

Step 2: Eligibility check

  • Send your completed WA1 Form by post to Work and Access Section, Central Team, Finglas Intreo Centre, PO Box 13736, Freepost FDN7696, Dublin 11.
  • The Work and Access Section will check your eligibility.

Step 3: Assessment and approval

  • An officer will contact you directly to discuss your application.
  • If eligible, you will be told about the next steps and any additional sections of the application form to complete.
  • Approval for eligibility does not guarantee funding.

Final approval will be made after you meet specific requirements set by Department officers.

Employers

To apply for the Work and Access Programme as an employer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the application form

  • Request the form from your local Intreo Office or download it from gov.ie.

  • Complete the WA2 Form.

Step 2: Submission and support details

  • Send your completed WA2 Form by post to Work and Access Section, Central Team, Finglas Intreo Centre, PO Box 13736, Freepost FDN7696, Dublin 11.

Step 3: Assessment and processing

  • A designated Employer Relations Officer (ERO) will manage your application.
  • You will be contacted directly to discuss available options and necessary documents.
  • Final approval is required before purchasing any support.
  • Applications submitted after purchasing support cannot be processed or paid.

Appeals:

  • You cannot formally appeal a decision, but you can request a review by another DSP officer within 21 days of the decision. You must explain why you believe the decision was wrong and provide supporting evidence.

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