Fuel Allowance in Ireland – Payment Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Amount, and Latest News

The Irish government provides several social welfare programs to help individuals and families in need, especially during the colder months. One such initiative is the Fuel Allowance, which helps households cover heating costs. In 2024, approximately 404,000 households in Ireland are expected to benefit from this payment over a 28-week period, ensuring vulnerable people have the means to heat their homes.

Budget 2023 brought significant changes to this scheme, including expanded eligibility and a new means test for people over 70. This article will break down the details of the 2024 Fuel Allowance.

Fuel Allowance

Fuel Allowance is a payment provided by the Irish government to help low-income households manage their heating bills during the winter season. Only one person in a household is eligible for the allowance. The Fuel Allowance season typically runs from late September to early April, covering a total of 28 weeks.

For the 2023-2024 season, the payment period began on Monday, September 25, 2023, and will end on April 5, 2024. Recipients receive €33 per week, with the option to choose between weekly payments or two lump sum installments. The first installment was issued in September 2023, and the second will be made in January 2024.

Fuel Allowance Budget

The Fuel Allowance program is one of the largest social welfare payments in Ireland, with the government allocating approximately €240 million annually. Around 365,000 families received this payment in the past, and this number is expected to rise in 2024 with the recent budget expansions.

In Budget 2023, Minister Heather Humphreys secured additional funding, including a new means test for people over 70. A total of €14 billion has been set aside for next year’s budget, with fuel allowance recipients benefiting from a €300 lump sum payment during the winter season to help manage increased heating costs.

Payment Dates

Fuel Allowance payments are made on the same day as recipients’ regular social welfare payments, starting from the last week of September. The final weekly payment will be issued in the second week of April 2024.

For those opting for lump sum payments, the first installment of €462 (14 weeks at €33 per week) was distributed at the end of September 2023, while the second installment is set to be paid in January 2024.

Payment Period	Amount	Payment Date
First Lump Sum	€462	Late September 2023
Second Lump Sum	€462	First Week of January 2024
Weekly Payment	€33/week	Same day as social welfare

Eligibility

To qualify for the Fuel Allowance, an individual must be a resident of Ireland and meet specific conditions regarding income and living arrangements. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Age: Citizens aged 70 and older automatically qualify without needing a means test.
• Living Situation: Individuals living alone, with a spouse, or with dependent children are eligible, but they must not live in accommodation where heating costs are included in the rent.
• Means Test: For those under 70, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) assesses the applicant’s total income. To qualify, your weekly gross income must be below a certain threshold.

Recipients who qualify through social assistance payments (e.g., Jobseeker’s Allowance or Disability Allowance) generally pass the means test automatically. However, for individuals who are 70 or older, there is no need to undergo the means test.

Amount

The Fuel Allowance for 2023-2024 is paid at a rate of €33 per week. Over the 28-week season, this adds up to €924. Payments can be made either weekly or in two lump sum installments. Those receiving social welfare benefits will have their fuel allowance added to their weekly payment, while others may collect it at the post office or have it deposited into their bank account.

Applicants are advised to apply for the Fuel Allowance before the season begins, as the payment is not retroactive. Once you qualify, there’s no need to reapply each year, provided your circumstances remain the same and you continue receiving your social welfare payment.

Key Points

• Eligibility: Citizens 70 and older do not require a means test, while those under 70 must pass an income-based means test.
• Payment Options: Weekly payments of €33 or lump sums of €462.
• Duration: Payments last 28 weeks, from September 2023 to April 2024.
• New Expansion: Budget 2023 introduced the largest expansion ever, including a new means test for seniors and a €300 lump sum bonus.

For many Irish households, the Fuel Allowance provides essential financial support to manage winter heating costs, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. With the expansion of the program, more households will benefit from the assistance in 2024, ensuring greater comfort during the cold months.

FAQs