In Ireland, the Fuel Allowance is a payment that provides support to individuals to cover the cost of heating of homes during the winter months. Individuals may get a benefit amount from this payment if they are aged 70 or older, or aged 66 or older or if they are getting long-term social welfare payments.
In 2024-2025, the total Fuel Allowance payment for 28 weeks is €924. It can be paid to you weekly or in 2 installments (lump sums). The first fuel allowance payment installment was paid in September 2024 and the next and the last installment is going to be paid in January 2025.
Social Welfare Bonus Payment Ireland
In Ireland, a social welfare payment that worth up to €920 has now started to be paid to specific groups with those eligible urged to apply. The 2025 Budget highlighted that the €924 payment towards heating costs would be increased for those who claim Carer’s Allowance.
Currently, the Fuel Allowance is available without a means test for individuals who are aged 66 and over. This payment is €524 for a single individual and €1,048 for a married couple. In 2024/2025, the Fuel Allowance payment for twenty-eight (28) weeks is €924. These changes will come into effect from January 2025.
How much you can receive from the fuel allowance?
For 2024-25, the total fuel allowance payment amount is €924. This amount will be distributed to eligible individuals within a period of 28 weeks. The weekly rate of this payment is €33.
You have a right to choose whether you want your fuel allowance payment weekly or in two lump sum installments. For 2024-25, The first lump sum fuel allowance payment was paid in September 2024, and the second is going to be paid in January 2025.
When and How can you get your fuel allowance?
Usually, The fuel allowance is provided to individuals on a weekly basis from September to April every year. But if an individual selected getting payment through the two installments method then the fuel allowance will be provided to them in two installments.
First installments are usually paid in September of current year and the second will be paid in January of the next year. Everyone wants to know how the weekly payment of fuel allowance will be delivered to them? If the Individuals are receiving social welfare payments, the Fuel Allowance payment will automatically be included in their weekly payment.
Who is eligible for Fuel Allowance 2025?
To get the benefit amount from the Fuel Allowance in Ireland, individuals need to meet the following criteria.
- Interested individuals need to live in Ireland and must meet the habitual residence condition.
- Applicants need to receive a qualifying social welfare payment including payments like State Pension, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, etc.
- Individuals need to live alone or with certain people such as a spouse, partner, or dependent children. But if an individual lives with other adults, they also need to be eligible for the Fuel Allowance.
- Applicants need to satisfy the means test. It means that your income or earning must be below a specific limit. This income may include individuals’ social welfare payments and any income from the other sources that an individual might have.
How Can You Apply for Fuel Allowance?
If an individual submits an application form for Fuel Allowance after the Fuel Allowance season begins, it will not be backdated. There is no need to reapply for Fuel Allowance every year until your circumstances remain the same and you are eligible to get the same social welfare payment. Steps to apply for the Fuel Allowance in Ireland are listed below.
- To apply online, Navigate to the https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/pensions-and-older-people/fuel-allowance/ website.
- Log in your MyGovID account if you already have one otherwise create an account.
- After login an application form is displayed on the screen.
- Enter all the required details such as your name, address, phone number, email address, city, state, zip code, spouse name, number of children, income limit, etc.
- Attach all the required documents if needed.
- Enter details about your selected payout receiving method such as your bank name, address, account number, account holder name, mailing address etc.
- After verifying all your entered details, submit your application form.
Individuals who don’t want to apply online, can use a paper application form. Individuals aged under 70 need to fill out the NFS1 form to apply for fuel allowance whereas Individuals aged 70 or over need to fill out the NFS2 form to apply for fuel allowance through visiting the official website at https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/extra-social-welfare-benefits/fuel-allowance/#startcontent .
Individuals can also get an application form from their local post office or by calling at 0818 200 400. They will provide you with a relevant form for your age. You just need to fill out and submit it.
