Many households could be missing out on valuable help with energy bills. The Household Benefits Package offers eligible people financial support worth up to €420 a year, along with a fully funded television licence.
In a Department of Social Protection press release published on 16 September 2026, Minister Calleary encouraged people to check whether they qualify for the Household Benefits Package, particularly ahead of the winter months.
Household Benefits Package: What support is available?
The Household Benefits Package helps with the cost of electricity or gas. It is paid monthly into a recipient’s bank account or through a post office, on the first Tuesday of each month. The scheme also includes entitlement to a television licence at no cost.
More than 550,000 households currently receive the payment. However, only one package can be paid per household, and the recipient must live full-time in Ireland.
Key points for applicants
- Payments can total up to €420 per year per household.
- People aged 70 or over do not face a means test and do not need to receive a qualifying social welfare payment.
- Additional eligibility rules apply to applicants under 70.
- Applications can be made through MyWelfare.ie with a MyGovID account or by post.
Who may qualify for the payment?
People aged 70 and over can qualify regardless of whether they receive the State Pension. For applicants aged between 66 and under 70, eligibility may depend on receiving an approved payment or satisfying a means test.
Qualifying payments can include the State Pension Contributory, State Pension Non-Contributory, Bereaved Partner’s Contributory Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Deserted Wife’s Benefit and certain equivalent overseas social security payments.
Applicants under 66 generally need to be receiving a qualifying payment, such as Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. Specific conditions may apply, including residency arrangements and whether a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is considered a qualified adult.
How to check eligibility
People can review the detailed criteria at gov.ie/hbp. The Department of Social Protection can also be contacted on 0818 200 400; callers should select the Household Benefits Package option.
The Department said it will shortly launch a multimedia awareness campaign explaining who can apply and how applications should be made.
Read more
For further updates on Ireland government announcements and public services, visit Daily Digest.
Explore more
See additional coverage of Irish social welfare news and household supports at Media Digest, and explore Ireland lifestyle and community updates at Luxe Digest.
What eligible households should remember
The Household Benefits Package is separate from general energy advice and should be checked directly with the Department. Eligibility is based on age, payment status, residency and, in some cases, a means assessment. Applying online through MyWelfare.ie may be the quickest option for people with a verified MyGovID account.
With energy costs placing continued pressure on household budgets, the key message is simple: check the official criteria before assuming you are not entitled. People who believe they may qualify should contact the Department of Social Protection or submit an application through the approved channels.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
