If you’re struggling with the current high energy prices and worried about the upcoming weather, there is an additional payment many Irish households can claim to help
With Met Eireann forecasting bitterly cold weather ahead, many people are worrying about the increasingly bills facing them this winter.
However for those struggling to heat their homes, there is a little-known social welfare payment with “no fixed rate” that may help.
The leading-up weekly payment is one of a number of extra social welfare payments that people can claim alongside their usual weekly allowance, if a number of conditions are met.
As part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance, the Heating supplement is an additional weekly payment to help with the cost of heating your home, and is available to those who cannot meet ongoing necessary costs with their weekly income.
These payments are made at the discretion of the Community Welfare Service officer who will considers your circumstances and needs, as well as your resources.
Who Can Qualify
According to the Department of Social Protection, the weekly boost is to support those who:
- 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 the SWA means test
To qualify for an additional weekly payment you must live in Ireland, provide proof of your residency and satisfy the Means Assessment, in which all capital or property, except your home, is assessed in the means test.
You won’t normally be eligible if you have access to other resources to cover the cost, are in full-time work – 30 hours or more per week, are in full-time education or are involved in a trade dispute or on strike.
However, you may apply for an Additional Needs Payment for your dependent adult or dependent child.
How much is the payment
The amount of heating supplement you get is based on your need as assessed by your Community Welfare Officer.
How to Apply
Those eligible must apply for a heating supplement to the CWO at their local Community Welfare Service.
You can download an application form online or get it from your local Intreo or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Those who are unhappy with the decision of a Community Welfare Officer can ask for an internal analysis to re-examine the decision.
They are advised to submit as much additional information as possible to help their case.
Fuel Allowance Payment
Separately, over 43,000 families across Ireland will qualify for the €33-weekly Fuel Allowance payment from January 2026.
It 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.
It 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 scheme which runs from the beginning in late September of each year and ends in April consists of €33 per week for 28 weeks or it can be paid via two lump sum payments worth €924 in total.
Although the current season is underway, people can still apply and qualify after the start date, however, the payments won’t be backdated. But you will be entitled to future payments.
You can find out more information about it here.
About the Author
