Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

Social welfare Ireland: Thousands can claim little-known €420 towards heating as temperatures plunge

23 Nov 2024, 08:15 by Erica Carter · RSVP Live

It has been a very cold week as the country experience the first cold snap of the winter so far.

While things are slightly milder now, freezing temperatures will definitely make a comeback before long.

And with the weather getting colder, comes more expensive heating bills.

Thankfully, there are some schemes in place that aim to help people with the cost of heating their home. One such payment is the Household Benefits Package.

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

What is the Household Benefits Package?

The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps with the cost of your electricity or gas bill and the TV licence.

You do not have to be living alone to get the Household Benefits Package. However, only one person in a household can get the Package.

You can get the Household Benefits Package if you are aged 70 or over. You do not need to be getting a State pension and the package is not means tested.

People under 70 can also get the HBP, but additional rules apply.

Who qualifies for the Household Benefits Package?

To get the Household Benefits Package, you must:

Be living in Ireland (full-time, all year round)
Be the only person in your household getting the HBP
Be aged 70 or over
Be aged under 70 and meet the additional rules
Have the electricity or gas bill in your name if you are applying for to have an Electricity or Gas Allowance paid as a credit on your bill

If you are under 70 you can get the Household Benefits Package, if you are getting a qualifying social welfare payment.

If you are between 66 and 70 these are:

State Pension (Contributory)
State Pension (Non-Contributory)
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension
Deserted Wife's Benefit
Carer's Allowance (full or half-rate payment), but you must be living with the person you are caring for.
An ordinary Garda Widow's Pension from the Department of Justice
An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement

If you are under 66 these are:

Disability Allowance
Invalidity Pension
Blind Pension
Incapacity Supplement (for at least 12 months) with Disablement Pension (for at least 12 months)
Carer's Allowance (full or half-rate payment), but you must be living with the person you are caring for.
An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement

For full details, click here.

How much is the Household Benefits Package?

If you have an electricity and natural gas supply, you must choose between the Electricity Allowance and Gas Allowance. You can choose only one. The Allowance does not cover the cost of installing an electricity or natural gas supply to your home.

Both are paid at a rate of €35 a month, totalling €420 a year.

Once you qualify for the Household Benefits Package, you can also get a Free Television (TV) Licence from your next TV Licence renewal date. To get your Free TV Licence, you must select the Television Licence option on the HBP form when you apply.

How to apply

You can apply online for the Household Benefits Package using MyWelfare.ie, if you have a MyGovID account.

If you cannot apply online, you can fill in the Household Benefit Package application form (pdf) and return it to the Household Benefits Package section of the Department of Social Protection.