Social welfare Ireland: Payment worth €924 paid from today to thousands but applications still open

Fuel Allowance is being paid from today, with weekly instalments until next April - however you can still apply to avail of the payment towards heating costs this winter

The Fuel Allowance scheme is being paid out from today, with hundreds and thousands of households set to benefit.

The payment is paid weekly and adds up to €924, or recipients can opt to get it paid in two lump sums.

While the first weekly instalment is being paid from today, applications are still open for people to avail of the scheme.

Read more:Payment worth €924 paid from today for thousands but applications still open

Read more:Social welfare Ireland: One group in line for €15 a week rise while one misses out on budget boost

Here's everything you need to know about it and how to 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 starts on Monday, 23 September 2024. It will be paid for 28 weeks (until 4 April 2025).

The current rate of Fuel Allowance is €33 per week. You can choose to get the Fuel Allowance paid every week or paid in 2 instalments (lump sums).

How much is Fuel Allowance?

The current weekly rate of Fuel Allowance is €33. Fuel Allowance is included in your weekly payment, if you are getting a social welfare payment. If you are not getting a social welfare payment, your Fuel Allowance can be paid directly into your account in a financial institution or you can collect it from your local post office.

You can also get your Fuel Allowance paid weekly or in two lump sum instalments. They are paid in September 2024 and January 2025.

Who can get Fuel Allowance?

To get Fuel Allowance you must:

• Live alone (or only with certain people)
• Be getting a qualifying payment (unless you are 70 or over)
• Satisfy a means test

These three conditions are explained in detail here.

How to apply for Fuel Allowance

If 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.

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