Department of Social Protection (Intreo) letter explained in English
Social welfare office. Pays social welfare, for example Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, pensions and illness benefit. Intreo is its local office.
Letters you may get
- Decision letter — your claim was approved, refused or changed
- Meeting letter — you must attend a meeting at your Intreo centre
- Overpayment letter — they say you were paid too much
- Review letter — they check if you still qualify
What to do
- You can ask for a review of a decision, or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days of the decision.
- Go to every meeting you are called to. Missing one without a good reason can reduce your payment.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Intreo
- The local office of the Department of Social Protection for jobseekers and social welfare.
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- A weekly payment for people out of work. Jobseeker’s Benefit depends on your PRSI; Jobseeker’s Allowance depends on your means.
- Social Welfare Appeals Office
- An independent office that looks at appeals against social welfare decisions.
- review
- A new look at a decision, or a check that you still qualify for a payment.
- overpayment
- Money paid to you by mistake that they want back.
- Child Benefit
- A monthly payment for each child, paid to parents.
Questions
What is the Department of Social Protection (Intreo)?
Social welfare office. Pays social welfare, for example Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, pensions and illness benefit. Intreo is its local office.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Department of Social Protection (Intreo)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In Ireland, many deadlines count from the date printed on the letter. When a deadline counts from when you received it, Briefly adds about 2 days for post — check the envelope or postmark if you are close to the deadline. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“review”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “objection”).
Can I read a Department of Social Protection (Intreo) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Ireland
Revenue (Revenue Commissioners) · County or City Council · Courts Service (District / Circuit Court) · Sheriff / Revenue Sheriff · Debt collection agency · An Garda Síochána · Motor Tax / NDLS · TV Licence (An Post)