Social welfare Ireland: Three conditions to claim little-known heating supplement amid cold snap

Winter has well and truly arrived in Ireland, with temperatures falling below freezing and snow expected across the country.

It's the perfect weather for staying in and getting cosy, but unfortunately that comes as a cost due to the fact we will all have the heating on more during the cold snap.

Luckily, there are a number of schemes in place to assist people with the costs associated with heating our homes.

Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Five criteria to qualify for newly increased €360 payment that helps parents

Read more: Cost of living: How to heat your home for less as temperatures plummet

One such scheme is the Heating Supplement, which is paid by the Department of Social Protection. Applicants need only meet three conditions to avail of the little known payment to help with your heating costs.

Here's everything you need to know about it and how you can apply.

Who can avail of the Heating Supplement?

The heating supplement is an additional weekly payment to help with the cost of heating your home. You may get a heating supplement, if you:

• Can show you have extra heating needs because of your age, medical condition or disability
• Are living alone or only with a dependent adult or dependent children
• Satisfy a means test

How much is the Heating Supplement?

There is no fixed rate for heating supplement. The amount of heating supplement you get is based on your need as assessed by your Community Welfare Officer.

How to apply

You can get an application form for the heating supplement at your local Community Welfare Service. The Community Welfare Officer can help you fill in the form.

If you are unhappy with the decision of a Community Welfare Officer on your application, you can ask for an internal review to re-examine the decision. You should try to submit as much additional information as possible to help your case.

If you aren't eligible to claim the Heating Supplement, there are a number of payments from the Department of Social Protection aimed at helping with heating or energy bills, such as the Household Benefits Package or the Fuel Allowance. Households will also get a boost on the cost of their bills in January when the second energy credit of €125 is paid.