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Health · Ireland
Updated September 2026

♿ My application for care, home help or disability support was refused — can I object?

Direct answer

Yes, and the refusal must tell you how and by when — usually a written objection within a few weeks to HSE Community Services — home support, disability services (1800 700 700), the body that decided. Ask for the assessment report first: most refusals rest on an assessment that missed something, and a doctor's letter or a specialist report changes the picture. Office of the Ombudsman (01 639 5600) takes complaints about the procedure and unreasonable delays; Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) helps with the objection and represents you at the social court, which is free in most countries.

Call firstHSE Community Services — home support, disability services
Report toOffice of the Ombudsman
If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I object to your decision [number] of [date] refusing [care / support]. The assessment did not take into account [conditions, limitations, daily needs]. Attached: [medical reports]. I ask for a reassessment and, in the meantime, for [interim support]."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Deadline firstThe objection period is on the decision. File a short objection now; the reasons can follow.
  2. Get the assessmentYou are entitled to the report. Compare it with your actual day: what you cannot do, how long things take, who helps now.
  3. Medical evidenceA letter from the GP or specialist describing limitations in daily terms, not just diagnoses.
  4. Object to HSE Community Services — home support, disability servicesPoint by point against the assessment. Ask for a new assessment by a different assessor if possible.
  5. Escalate: Office of the Ombudsman, then Legal Aid Board / FLACThe ombudsman for the procedure; legal aid for the appeal to the social court.

📇 All contacts

HSE Community Services — home support, disability servicesCare needs assessment, home support, disability servicesFor care and support📞 1800 700 700🔗 www2.hse.ie/services/home-support
Office of the OmbudsmanComplaints about public bodies, freeWhen a public body does not answer or acts unfairly📞 01 639 5600🔗 www.ombudsman.ie
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie
High Court — judicial reviewJudicial review of public decisions (strict 3-month limit)Within 3 months of the decision🔗 www.courts.ie

❓ Frequently asked

Can I get help while I wait?

Ask for interim or emergency support in the objection; many services grant it when the need is obvious.

They say a family member can do it

Care by relatives is voluntary; a refusal based on assumed family help is contestable, especially if the relative works or is unwell.

How long does an appeal take?

Months. Which is why the interim request and the medical evidence go in at the start.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “care assessment refused appeal Ireland”
  • “disability support application rejected”
  • “home care refused objection”
  • “social services decision appeal”
  • “care needs assessment report”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

💜Carer support→📩Object to a decision→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→

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