An Post has announced a range of social welfare payments and supports that are now available to Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
There are five key supports available at the 900 post offices across Ireland.
So far, more than 10,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since Russia invaded - and this is estimated to increase to at least 100,000 over the coming weeks and months.
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Here are the five supports Ukrainians can access in any An Post location.
1) Social welfare payments
If you need to access any social welfare or child support payments, you will be able to collect them at a post office. To access these you will need to bring two documents to receive the payment.
A PPS number which you will have received on arrival in Ireland and one photographic ID such as a passport, driver's licence or national ID card. Expired identification will also be accepted.
2) Address Point virtual address
If you need to receive mail but do not have a physical address yet, a virtual one can be provided for you at your local post office. This service gives you a unique postal address and allows you to pick up mail at your designated post office. More information on how this service works can be obtained from the Irish Red Cross and other organisations supporting recently arrived Ukrainians.
3) Free Sim card and three months credit
You can get a free SIM card with three months' credit on it for free at your local post office. You will need to bring either a permission letter from the Department of Justice confirming that you have been granted temporary protection under the EU directive or the passport with the immigration stamp you received on arrival in Ireland.
4) Send money to Ukraine with zero fees
If you need to send or receive money from Ukraine you can use An Posts' partner Western Union. An Post will not charge any of the usual fees.
5) Set up a Current Account
An Post is offering Current Accounts however you will need to bring three documents to open one.
The documents include:
- One form of photo ID such as a passport, driver's licence or Ukrainian national ID card, including expired ones, are all accepted.
- A permission letter from the Department of Justice confirming that you have been granted temporary protection under the EU directive or the passport with the immigration stamp you received on arrival in Ireland.
- Proof of address. If you are staying in state-provided accommodation, hotel/hostel or with a relative, bring a signed letter on headed paper or a utility bill with the address if staying with an Irish family to confirm where you are staying.
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