Heating costs are very high during the winter(Image: Getty Images)

Cost of living: Key new group to be eligible to claim €924 payment towards heating costs

by · RSVP Live

Thousands more people are set to be eligible for the Fuel Allowance payment within weeks.

Thanks to Budget 2025, the €924 payment towards heating costs is being extended to those who claim Carer's Allowance.

As well as this, 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.

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These changes kick in from January 2025 - here's everything you need to know about the payment and how to apply.

What is the 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).

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

For more details on these conditions, click here.

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How much is Fuel Allowance?

The current weekly rate of Fuel Allowance is €33.

You can get your Fuel Allowance paid weekly or in two lump sum instalments.

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.

In 2024/2025, the total Fuel Allowance payment over 28 weeks is €924.

It can be paid to you in two instalments (lump sums) - September 2024 and January 2025.

If you are getting Fuel Allowance as well as the Living Alone Increase, you will also get a Telephone Support Allowance of €2.50 per week. This is paid automatically with your main social welfare payment, so you do not have to apply for it.

How to apply

You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online. You must have a MyGovID account to apply online.

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).