Main supports to check
| Support | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Allowance | Heating costs during the fuel season. In 2026 the standard weekly rate is €38. | Department of Social Protection / MyWelfare |
| Household Benefits Package | Electricity or gas allowance and a free TV licence for qualifying households. | Department of Social Protection / MyWelfare |
| Additional Needs Payment | Essential once-off costs you cannot afford from your weekly income. | Community Welfare Service |
| Rent Tax Credit | Income tax credit for eligible private renters. | Revenue myAccount |
| Rent Supplement or HAP | Help with rent for people who qualify for housing support. | DSP or local authority |
Sources: gov.ie — Fuel Allowance, gov.ie — Household Benefits Package
Fuel Allowance
Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to help with heating costs. It is normally paid during the fuel season to people who receive qualifying long-term social welfare payments and meet the household and means rules.
From January 2026, Working Family Payment can also be a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance, subject to the usual qualifying conditions. That matters for low-income working households who may not have checked the scheme before.
Household Benefits Package
The Household Benefits Package helps with energy costs and the TV licence. It can include an electricity or gas allowance and a free television licence. You must live full time in Ireland, and only one Household Benefits Package is paid per household.
Many people qualify automatically because of age or a qualifying social welfare payment, but some under-70s must satisfy extra conditions. If you are unsure, it is worth checking MyWelfare or contacting the Department of Social Protection rather than assuming you are excluded.
Once-off help with bills
The Additional Needs Payment can help with essential expenses that you cannot meet from your income. It is not only for people on a weekly social welfare payment. Examples can include urgent household costs, higher-than-usual bills, funeral costs, or essential repairs.
For ongoing rent pressure, the right route is usually different: Rent Supplement, HAP, or speaking to your local authority if you are already in the social housing system.
Tax supports that reduce pressure
Some supports come through Revenue rather than social welfare. If you rent privately, check the Rent Tax Credit. If you have a mortgage, check whether the Mortgage Interest Tax Credit applies. If you paid medical bills, tuition fees or remote working costs, see tax credits you may be missing.
Where to start
If money is tight, start with the support that matches the bill in front of you: energy costs, rent, mortgage, medical expenses or an urgent once-off expense. Then check whether your household has any long-term entitlement, especially if someone is over 66, lives alone, has a disability, is caring for someone, or receives a qualifying payment.