Thanks to changes coming into effect soon, thousands more people will be eligible to claim a payment towards heating costs.
As part of Budget 2025, the government announced two changes to the eligibility criteria of the Fuel Allowance payment.
The changes will kick in from January 1st 2025, and they mean that thousands more can claim the handy payment.
It was announced in Budget 2025:
The Fuel Allowance means test disregard for people aged 66 and over will be €524 for a single person and €1,048 for a couple. Carer’s Allowance will become a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.Here's everything you need to know about Fuel Allowance and how you can apply.
What is Fuel Allowance?Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household.
The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. The 2024/2025 Fuel Allowance season started on Monday, 23 September 2024. It will be paid for 28 weeks (until 4 April 2025).
How much is it?The current weekly rate of Fuel Allowance is €33.
You can get your Fuel Allowance paid weekly or in 2 lump sum instalments, in September 2024 and January 2025.
In 2024/2025, the total Fuel Allowance payment over 28 weeks is €924.
How to apply for Fuel AllowanceIf you apply for Fuel Allowance after the start of the Fuel Allowance season, it will not be backdated.
You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year as long as, your circumstances remain the same and you continue to get the same social welfare payment.
You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online. You must have a MyGovID account to apply online.
If you can’t apply online, you can use a paper application form.
If you are aged under 70, fill in the NFS1 form to apply for fuel allowance (pdf).
If you are aged 70 or over, fill in the NFS2 form to apply for fuel allowance (pdf).
You can also get a form from your local post office or by phoning 0818 200 400. You should ask for the relevant form for your age.
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