11 Jun 2026
Rising energy and utility costs continue to affect many households across Ireland. The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps eligible people reduce these expenses by providing support towards electricity or gas bills and a free TV licence.
If you are wondering whether you qualify, this guide explains who can apply, what benefits are included, payment arrangements, and how the scheme works.
Around 400,000 households across Ireland receive support through this scheme each year, making it an important source of assistance for pensioners and other eligible households.
The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps eligible people in Ireland pay for electricity or gas bills and includes a free TV licence.
Eligibility for the Household Benefits Package is primarily age-related and based on specific social welfare payments. Families may save significantly if a household member receives a qualifying payment, as the Household Benefits Package helps eligible households save hundreds of euro annually. The package consists of two core allowances: the Electricity or Gas Allowance and the Free Television Licence.
Higher heating and electricity use can increase household bills during colder months. To help manage costs:
These steps can help reduce overall utility expenses and improve energy efficiency.
The Household Benefits Package includes:
Recipients of the Electricity or Gas Allowance receive €35 per month, which is paid as a daily rate of €1.15. Households can only claim the Electricity or Gas Allowance for one utility type, so if your home has both electricity and natural gas supply, you must choose which allowance to receive.
Eligible households also receive a free TV licence under the Household Benefits Package.
Changing energy supplier does not affect eligibility, but you should tell the DSP so payments or bill credits continue correctly.
Eligibility for this government scheme depends on the following factors, with additional rules for some households:
| Age Group | Eligibility Conditions |
|---|---|
| 70+ | Usually qualifies regardless of income |
| 66–69 | Must receive qualifying social welfare payment |
| Under 66 | Long-term welfare or disability support required |
You may get the HBP if you receive certain social welfare payments, and some younger applicants must also satisfy a means test.
You may qualify if you receive payments such as:
If you do not receive one of these payments, you may still qualify after a means test, as additional rules apply for people below 70.
You may get the household benefits if you receive:
You may also qualify if:
If your partner passed away before you turned 60, you may become eligible once you reach 60, provided all conditions are met.
If you are aged between 66 and 70 and do not receive a qualifying social welfare payment, you may need to pass a means test to qualify for the Household Benefits Package.
A means test checks your income and financial situation to see if you qualify for support. Your weekly income must stay below a certain limit set by the Department of Social Protection.
The income limit is based on:
The means test may include:
Some types of income and capital may not be counted in the means test. If you need to complete a means test, the Department of Social Protection will send you a separate form during the application process.
You can rent out a room in your home and still keep your Household Benefits Package. You may earn up to:
without affecting your benefits. The person renting the room must:
You can stay in hospital for up to 13 weeks and continue receiving the Household Benefits Package.
If you move into a nursing home or residential care, your Household Benefits Package will stop. If you later return home, you may need to apply again.
You should inform the Department of Social Protection if your circumstances change, such as:
If you move to a new address, you must reapply for the Household Benefits Package, and you may need to update your details to keep payments going to the correct place, even if you still qualify.
You do not need to own your home to receive Household Benefits, and tenants can still qualify even if the utility bill is in a landlord's or another household member's name.
Tenants may qualify if:
Applicants may also need:
These details help confirm the electricity or gas account connected to the claim as the relevant utility bill. The package helps with the cost of household energy bills for eligible tenants.
Applying for the Household Benefits Package in Ireland is straightforward, and applications can be made online or by paper form. For official guidance on eligibility and application details, check Citizens Information.
Applicants usually need:
Many people confuse Household Benefits with Fuel Allowance, but they are separate schemes.
| Household Benefits Package | Fuel Allowance |
|---|---|
| Helps with electricity or gas bills | Helps with heating costs |
| Includes free TV licence | Does not include TV licence |
| Available year-round | Paid during the winter months |
| Based on qualifying welfare payments | Means-tested payment |
The scheme provides valuable support, and the household benefits package helps eligible households with essential household expenses by:
The Household Benefits Package in Ireland continues to provide valuable financial support for pensioners, carers, and low-income households struggling with rising utility costs. With energy prices and living expenses increasing across the country, supports such as electricity allowances, gas credits, and free TV licences help many families manage essential household expenses more effectively.
Before applying, always check the latest eligibility rules and payment updates through the official Department of Social Protection website.
For people supporting family members abroad while managing living costs in Ireland, ACE Money Transfer offers a fast, secure, and convenient way to send money internationally with competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees.
People aged 66 or over receive qualifying social welfare payments and some people under 66 on long-term support may qualify.
The package can provide around €580 yearly through electricity or gas support and a free TV licence.
No. Only one Household Benefits Package can be paid per household.
No, Household Benefits helps with electricity or gas bills and TV licences, while Fuel Allowance supports heating costs.
You can apply online through MyWelfare.ie using your MyGovID account and required documents.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of ACE Money Transfer. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information. Services and practices mentioned may vary by provider and jurisdiction. Readers should consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial or business decisions.
