Are you eligible? Thousands of Irish homes to benefit from new payment worth hundreds
The fuel allowance scheme applies to single people over 66 years of age that have means under €524 a week, or couples over 66 with a combined means of under €1,048
410,000 Irish households are set to receive fuel allowance payments amounting to €924 this winter.
The fuel allowance scheme applies to single people over 66 years of age that have means under €524 a week, or couples over 66 with a combined means of under €1,048.
Dara Calleary - Minister for Social Protection - said on Midwest Radio that the fuel allowance payments will be a focus for the 2026 budget.
Calleary further stated: “This is such a valuable support for so many households.”
“The Fuel Allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months.”
Recent changes in who qualifies for the scheme means that a person over the age of 66 no longer has to be in receipt of a social protection payment to apply for fuel allowance.
The payment is aimed at pensioners, and was previously for over 70s before the criteria were amended in budget 2025.
Recipients of the fuel allowance scheme can opt to receive the payments in weekly instalments of €33 or alternatively they can choose to receive two instalments of €462.