The Fuel Allowance helps with the cost of heating your home in winter. You can get it if you are aged 66 or over, or on a qualifying long-term social welfare payment. The Department of Social Protection pays it for 28 weeks, from late September to April. You need to meet all the eligibility criteria for Fuel Allowance, including its means test.
How much is the Fuel Allowance?
| 2026 | From January 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Each week of the season | €38.00 | €43.00 |
| Full season of 28 weeks | €1,064.00 | €1,204.00 |
The Rates of Payment 2026 booklet says you can get it as a weekly payment of €38.00, or in two lump sums of €532.00: the first paid in late September and the second in January.
The season that started in late September 2026 mixes both rates: €38.00 a week until the end of 2026, and €43.00 a week from 1 January 2027.
What Budget 2027 changes
- The weekly rate goes up by €5, from €38.00 to €43.00. Over a season of 28 weeks, that is €140 more.
- The increase counts from 1 January 2027. In the Department's Budget 2027 examples, the first increased payments come from March, for the period beginning 1 January 2027.
- The means test is easier for single people aged 66 or over. The income limit for a single person aged 66 or over was half the limit for a couple. It goes up to 60% of the couple limit.
Telephone Support Allowance
People who get both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance on a qualifying payment also get a Telephone Support Allowance of €2.50 a week (2026 rate).
The Christmas Bonus
During the season, people on long-term payments also get the Christmas Bonus 2026 in December.