English office words from Ireland, explained

The words you see in official letters in Ireland, in plain English.

appearance: A form that tells the court you will defend the case.
arrears: Money you owe because regular payments were missed, for example rent.
attachment of earnings: A court order that takes money for a debt or fine straight from your pay or social welfare.
Child Benefit: A monthly payment for each child, paid to parents.
Citizens Information: A free public service with information and advice on rights, social welfare, housing and more.
civil bill: Court papers that start a case in the Circuit Court.
civil summons: Court papers that start a case in the District Court, for example for a debt.
deciding officer: The person in social welfare who made the decision on your claim.
fixed charge notice: A fine for a road offence. Pay within 28 days, or 50% more within the next 28 days.
HAP: Housing Assistance Payment. The council pays most of your rent to the landlord; you pay a rent contribution to the council.
Intreo: The local office of the Department of Social Protection for jobseekers and social welfare.
IRP: Irish Residence Permit. The card that shows you are registered and allowed to stay in Ireland.
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.
judgment: The court’s decision. A judgment for a debt can go on the public Register of Judgments.
Local Property Tax: A yearly tax on homes, paid to Revenue by the owner.
MABS: Money Advice and Budgeting Service. Free, confidential help with debt and budgeting.
means test: A check of your income and savings to see if you qualify for a payment.
medical card: A card from the HSE that gives free GP visits and many health services to people with low income.
motor tax: Tax you must pay to use a car on public roads. Pay at motortax.ie.
MPRN: Meter Point Reference Number. The number of your electricity meter.
myAccount: Your free online account with Revenue, where you see letters, tax credits and refunds.
MyWelfare: The online service of the Department of Social Protection, where you can apply, see letters and appeal.
NCT: National Car Test. A regular safety test for cars older than 4 years.
notice of termination: A written notice from your landlord or you to end a tenancy. It must follow strict rules.
overpayment: Money paid to you by mistake that they want back.
penalty points: Points on your driving licence for road offences. 12 points (7 for learners and new drivers) means you lose your licence for 6 months.
penalty rate: A lower jobseeker’s payment, for example after missing a meeting without a good reason.
phased payment arrangement: A plan with Revenue to pay tax you owe in parts.
PPS number: Personal Public Service Number. Your personal number for tax, social welfare and public services.
PRSI: Pay Related Social Insurance. Contributions from your pay that give you the right to some social welfare payments and the State Pension.
rent review: A change of your rent. In many areas, increases are limited by law.
Revenue: The Irish tax office.
review: A new look at a decision, or a check that you still qualify for a payment.
ROS: Revenue Online Service. Used by the self-employed and businesses to file tax returns.
RTB: Residential Tenancies Board. It registers tenancies and settles disputes between tenants and landlords.
sheriff: An official who collects debts after a judgment, or for Revenue. Fees are added to the debt.
Social Welfare Appeals Office: An independent office that looks at appeals against social welfare decisions.
Statement of Liability: A yearly summary from Revenue of your income and tax. It shows a refund or an underpayment.
statute-barred: A debt too old to take to court — usually 6 years after the last payment or written acknowledgement.
Tax Appeals Commission: An independent body that hears appeals against Revenue decisions. You usually must appeal within 30 days.
tax credits: Amounts that lower the tax you pay. Your employer uses them from your tax credit certificate.
TV licence: A yearly licence you need if you have a TV set at home. Paid to An Post.
underpayment: Tax you didn’t pay in full. Revenue often collects it by lowering your tax credits over a few years.
USC: Universal Social Charge. A tax on income, on top of income tax.