Older people across Ireland are being urged to check whether they qualify for support with household energy costs. The Household Benefits Package can help cover electricity or gas bills by up to €420 a year and also includes a free television licence.
What is the Household Benefits Package?
The Household Benefits Package is a social protection scheme designed to help eligible households with essential living costs. It provides a monthly payment towards either electricity or gas expenses, along with a television licence at no additional cost.
More than 550,000 households currently receive the support. However, the Department of Social Protection believes that other eligible people may not yet be claiming it, particularly those aged 70 and over.
Eligibility rules for people aged 70 and over
For people aged 70 or older, the Household Benefits Package is not means tested. This means applicants in that age group do not have to pass an income or savings assessment to qualify.
They also do not need to receive another qualifying social welfare payment. The main conditions include meeting the age requirement and living full-time in Ireland.
Only one Household Benefits Package payment is available for each household. The support is paid into a recipient’s bank account or post office account on the first Tuesday of every month.
Who may qualify under 70?
Some people under the age of 70 can also qualify if they receive certain social welfare payments. The examples identified by the Department of Social Protection include:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
Eligibility can depend on the payment being received and the applicant’s circumstances, so people should confirm their position directly with the department rather than assume they are excluded because they are under 70.
- Support is worth up to €420 per year towards electricity or gas bills.
- A free TV licence is included.
- The scheme is not means tested for people aged 70 and over.
- Only one payment is available per household.
- Applicants must reside full-time in Ireland.
Why the payment matters as energy bills rise
Energy costs can place particular pressure on older households, especially during the colder months when heating use increases. A regular contribution towards gas or electricity bills may help households manage their monthly budgets and reduce the impact of seasonal spending.
The payment forms part of Ireland’s wider public services and income-support system. While it does not cover every household cost, the combination of energy assistance and a free TV licence can provide practical help to people who meet the conditions.
Department promotes support at National Ploughing Championships
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary and department officials are promoting the Household Benefits Package at the National Ploughing Championships. The outreach campaign is intended to raise awareness among people who may be entitled but have not applied.
The minister said the scheme can provide meaningful financial support, particularly through the winter, and encouraged anyone who may qualify to find out more about the application process.
How to check eligibility and apply
People can check their eligibility online or contact the Department of Social Protection by phone. The department’s information line for the Household Benefits Package is 0818 200 400.
Before applying, households should consider the following:
- Confirm that the applicant meets the relevant age or social welfare conditions.
- Check that the applicant lives full-time in Ireland.
- Establish whether another person in the household is already receiving the package.
- Have relevant personal and payment details available when making an enquiry.
Applicants should use official Department of Social Protection information for the latest forms, requirements and processing guidance, as scheme administration can change.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the energy support worth?
The Household Benefits Package helps with electricity or gas costs by up to €420 per year.
Is the payment means tested?
It is not means tested for people aged 70 and over. Younger applicants may qualify under specific social welfare conditions.
Can more than one person in a household claim?
No. Only one Household Benefits Package payment is available per household.
How is the payment made?
The payment is made into a bank account or post office account on the first Tuesday of each month.
Where can people get more information?
Eligibility can be checked online or by calling the Department of Social Protection on 0818 200 400.
What happens next?
The department’s awareness campaign is expected to encourage more households to review their eligibility. People aged 70 and over who have never applied, as well as those receiving qualifying payments below that age, should check the official rules rather than miss out on available support.
Conclusion
The Household Benefits Package offers important help with household energy costs and includes a free TV licence. For older people in particular, the absence of a means test may make the scheme easier to access. Anyone who believes they may qualify should check the official criteria and contact the Department of Social Protection. This Breaking News Ireland update could be especially relevant to households preparing for higher winter bills.
