The Irish government operates several social welfare programmes to provide additional support to individuals who are in need. A Fuel Allowance is a financial aid program designed to help with the cost of winter home heating in Ireland. Over the course of 28 weeks, over 404,000 Irish households will get this means-tested payment.
As part of Budget 2023, Minister Humphreys secured funding for the largest-ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance program as well as the implementation of a brand-new means test for people over 70. Additional information regarding the Ireland Fuel Allowance 2024 is provided on this page.
What is Ireland’s Fuel Allowance?
A “fuel allowance” is a sum of money provided to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter. It is provided to a single person in a home. Usually, the Fuel Allowance season extends from the end of September until the beginning of April. The start of the most current Fuel Allowance season was Monday, September 25, 2023. On April 5, 2024, the 28-week payment period comes to an end.
Fuel Allowance is currently offered weekly for €33. Your Fuel Allowance payment can be made either weekly or in two lump sum installments. The first installment of the lump sum was paid in September 2023. January of 2024.
Hundreds of thousands of households rely on the Fuel Allowance to assist with their heating costs over the winter.
Eligibility Ireland Fuel Allowance
Fuel Allowance is available to Irish citizens who reside alone, with their spouse, or with dependent children. Unless you are 70 years or older, you must pass a means test and receive a qualifying payout. You are not entitled to a Fuel Allowance if your lodging covers all heating expenses.
When you are subject to a means-test, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) examines all of your sources of income. Your gross weekly income must be below a certain amount in order to pass the means test. If you are getting a qualifying social assistance payment, which is a means-tested payment, then you are considered to have met the requirements for fuel allowance in most situations.
Dates of Ireland Fuel Allowance Payment
You will get your weekly Fuel Allowance Payments on the same day as your usual weekly pension or benefit starting the last week of September 2023. Unless you’ve chosen to receive payments in one lump sum.
The final weekly fuel allowance payment is expected to be made in the second week of April, 2024. Applicants for fuel allowance may be eligible to receive the fuel allowance in two lump sum installments rather than weekly payments.
In the latter week of September 2023, the first lump sum payment of €462 should have been attainable. The second lump sum payment of €462 (sixteen weeks at €33 per week) will be made in the first week of January 2024.
Ireland Fuel Allowance Budget
As part of Budget 2023, Minister Humphreys secured funding for the largest-ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance programme as well as the implementation of a brand-new means test for people over 70.
Generally, the Winter Fuel Allowance requires an annual payment from the State of approximately €240 million. For this, some 365,000 families get compensated. Generally, the Winter Fuel Allowance requires an annual payment from the State of approximately €240 million. For this, some 365,000 families get compensated.
The Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath revealed a €14 billion budget proposal for the following year. When fuel allowance recipients will start getting a €300 lump sum payment.
Fuel Allowance Amount
Fuel Allowance is now paid weekly at a cost of €33. In 2023–2024, the total Fuel Allowance payout is €924 over a 28-week period. You may receive money for your fuel allowance every week or in two equal installments. Fuel allowance is part of your weekly wage if you get social welfare benefits.
You can pick up your Fuel Allowance from your neighbourhood post office or have it directly put into your bank account if you are not receiving social assistance benefits.
If you submit your Fuel Allowance application after the season has started, it will not be accepted back. You are not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year as long as your circumstances remain the same and you continue to receive your social assistance payment.