FAQs - Passporting

We passported an applicant. But when they filled out their affidavit of means, it became clear they would not have been eligible for legal services based on the normal criteria (for example, because their capital assets clearly exceeded €4,000).

The “change in circumstances” procedure may apply. Contact Legal Services for a direction where circumstances like this arise.

If a person is in employment, but also receives a social welfare payment (e.g. Half-Rate Jobseeker’s Allowance), are they eligible for passporting?

No.

If a person is in receipt of social welfare payments, but receives spousal maintenance, are they eligible for passporting?

No. For a person to qualify for passporting social welfare payment must be their only form of income.

What are the criteria for passporting?

An applicant whose application is being passported must only be in receipt of social welfare payments, and the value of their capital assets must be less than €4,000.