Fuel Allowance
€38 a week towards heating costs, paid during the fuel season.
The season usually runs from late September to April. The 2025/26 season ran to 1 May 2026 after a 4-week extension. The 2026/27 season opens in late September.
Last checked June 2026
What it is
€38 a week through the fuel season, which runs from late September to April, about 28 weeks, and the last one was extended by a further 4 weeks to 1 May 2026. At 66 or over you do NOT need to be on a qualifying social welfare payment at all, which catches plenty of people out: you can have a gross income of up to €534 a week, or €1,068 for a couple, and still qualify. Under 66 you do need a qualifying payment, and the list is long, taking in Carer's Allowance, Blind Pension, Disability Allowance and the Bereaved Partner's pensions among others. WORKING FAMILY PAYMENT IS ON THAT LIST, and if you get it you do not have to apply for Fuel Allowance at all, it is assessed for you, which almost no working family knows. You need to be legally resident and living alone or only with other qualified people, and you cannot get it if your heating is provided in full as part of your accommodation. Savings are treated kindly: the first €20,000 is ignored under 66, and the first €50,000 at 66 or over. Only one Fuel Allowance is paid per household, so if you live with someone aged 66 or over it may be better for them to apply. The 2026/27 season opens in late September.
Who can get it
- You are 66 or over and pass a means test (you do not need to be on a welfare payment)
- Or you are under 66 and on a qualifying long-term payment, such as Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Jobseeker's Allowance or One-Parent Family Payment
- You live alone, or only with a spouse or partner, dependent family members or other qualifying people
- Only one Fuel Allowance is paid per household.
- You can choose two lump sums instead of weekly payments on certain schemes, one at the start of the season and one in January.
- Apply before late September if you can: awards are not backdated for late applications.
How to apply
Applications go through DSP. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 10 June 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is the Fuel Allowance in 2026?
It is €38 a week during the fuel season, which usually runs from late September to April. Only one Fuel Allowance is paid per household.
Can I get Fuel Allowance if I work?
It depends on your income and payments. People aged 66 or over can qualify on a means test without being on a welfare payment. Under-66s usually need a qualifying long-term payment.
When should I apply?
Apply before late September if you can, as awards are not backdated for late applications.
Related guides
- Carer's Allowance
- Carer's Support Grant
- Carer's Benefit
- MyFutureFund (Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings)
- State Pension (Non-Contributory)
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