Social Welfare & Employment

Information on how to access social welfare and employment supports

Do you need income support?

If you come from Ukraine, the Government of Ireland will help you to establish yourself in Ireland. 

Firstly, you will need a Personal Public Services Number (PPSN). This is a unique personal number that helps you get social welfare benefits and access to services in Ireland. All adults and children will need their own PPSN. 

You can find information below on what income supports you can get while you are in Ireland and how to get these supports and services.

Social Welfare Supports for those arriving from Ukraine 

Intreo - the public employment service

Intreo (the Public Employment Service) is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports and services.  This site will help you search for your first job or assist you in looking for a new job.  A full list of Intreo Centres and Local branch offices are available at the following link: 

Social Welfare Intreo Centres and Local Branch Offices 

To contact Portlaoise branch visit Portlaoise Social Welfare Control Office

Coworking Hubs

There are six state of the art coworking hubs in Laois to help people work. 

They offer the following services for free or at subsidised costs: 

  • Part time co-working desk 
  • Access to meeting rooms 
  • Access to community space and informal meeting area 
  • Access to IT equipment 

These hubs can be found in the following areas:  

Local Enterprise Office

Laois Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is a one stop shop to provide support and services to help start, grow and develop micro and small businesses in Laois. To find out more please visit the Local Enterprise Office, email localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie or phone 057 866 1800