Updated on February 12, 2024
In this article, you’ll find all the important information about the Fuel Allowance in Ireland for 2024, including details on the budget, payment dates, eligibility criteria, amount, and any relevant news updates.
Ireland Fuel Allowance 2024
To provide additional support to those in need, the Irish government administers various social welfare programs. One such initiative is the Fuel Allowance, designed to help with the cost of heating homes during the winter months. This means-tested payment will benefit approximately 404,000 families in Ireland over a period of 28 weeks.
Minister Humphreys secured funding for the largest-ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance program and introduced a completely new means test for individuals over 70 as part of Budget 2023. This page provides further details on the Ireland Fuel Allowance for 2024.
What is Ireland Fuel Allowance?
The “fuel allowance” is provided to help cover heating expenses during the winter months. Typically, this allowance is granted to one individual per household. The fuel allowance season usually spans from late September to early April. The most recent season commenced on Monday, September 25, 2023, and will run for a 28-week payment period, ending on April 5, 2024.
The Fuel Allowance is currently set at €33 per week. Recipients have two options for receiving their payments: weekly or in two lump sum installments. The first lump sum installment was paid in September 2023, while the second installment was paid in January 2024.
During the winter months, hundreds of thousands of households rely on the Fuel Allowance to assist with their heating expenses.
Ireland Fuel Allowance Budget
Minister Humphreys secured funding for the largest-ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance program and introduced a completely new means test for individuals over 70 as part of Budget 2023.
Typically, the State allocates approximately €240 million annually for the Winter Fuel Allowance, benefiting around 365,000 families who receive payments for it.
Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have unveiled a €14 billion budget plan for the upcoming year. As part of this plan, beneficiaries of the fuel allowance will begin receiving a lump sum payment of €300.
Ireland Fuel Allowance Payment Dates
Starting from the last week of September 2023, you will receive your weekly Fuel Allowance Payments on the same day as your regular weekly pension or benefit, unless you have opted for a single lump sum payment.
The final weekly fuel allowance payment is scheduled to be issued during the second week of April 2024. Alternatively, applicants for the fuel allowance may choose to receive it in two lump sum installments.
The first lump sum payment of €462 should have been made in the final week of September 2023. The second lump sum payment of €462 (equivalent to 14 weeks at €33 per week) is scheduled to be paid in the first week of January 2024.
Ireland Fuel Allowance Eligibility
Residents of Ireland who live alone, with their spouse, or with dependent children are eligible to receive the Fuel Allowance. However, they must meet a means test and receive a qualifying payment, unless they are 70 years of age or older. Additionally, individuals whose accommodation includes complete heating costs are not eligible for the Fuel Allowance.
When undergoing a means-test conducted by the Department of Social Protection (DSP), all of your income sources are taken into account. To pass the means test, your gross weekly income must be below a specific threshold. In many cases, receiving a qualified social assistance payment, which is a means-tested payment, qualifies you to pass the means test for the fuel allowance.
If you are 70 years of age or older, you do not need a qualifying payment to be eligible for the Fuel Allowance. Social welfare payments are typically either means-tested or dependent on your PRSI contributions (social insurance payments).
Ireland Fuel Allowance Amount
The Fuel Allowance is currently paid at a rate of €33 per week. Over a 28-week period in 2023–2024, the total Fuel Allowance payout is €924. You have the option to receive your fuel allowance either weekly or in two equal payments. If you receive social welfare benefits, your weekly payment will include the fuel allowance.
If you are not receiving social welfare benefits, you have the option to collect your Fuel Allowance from your local post office or have it deposited directly into your bank account.
If you submit your application for Fuel Allowance after the season has begun, it won’t be retroactive. However, if your circumstances remain the same and you continue to receive your social assistance payment, you are exempt from having to reapply for Fuel Allowance annually.
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