How Do I Apply for the Free Electricity Allowance?

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The Free Electricity Allowance is currently set at €35 per month or €1.15 per day. To apply you can head to MyWelfare.ie to apply online if you have a MyGovID account. In our Free Electricity Allowance guide, we'll walk you through how to apply and receive your free electricity allowance.

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How Much Is the Free Electricity Allowance?

The Free Electricity Allowance is currently set at €35 per month or €1.15 per day.

Where possible, it is paid as a credit on one's electricity bill. If not possible, the amount will be paid on the first Tuesday of each month, either to the customer's bank account or to be picked up at the An Post.

How Do I Apply for the Free Electricity Allowance?

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The best way to apply for the Free Electricity Allowance is to go online to MyWelfare.ie and use your MyGovID account to login and fill in the Household Benefits package application form. You will need to answer the questions about your:

  1. Your Living Situation 
    If you care for the person you live with , you will need to provide their PPS Number
  2. Your Relationship Details 
    This includes your status and your partner's PPS Number (if applicable)
  3. Your Electricity/Gas and TV Licence Details 
    This includes your energy supplier and either your electricity MPRN or gas GPRN and your TV licence reference number.
  4. Your Payment Details 
    Details of either the bank account into which you would like to receive the allowance or the post office for collection.

If you do not wish to apply online, you can also download the application and print it off to fill it in. You can then send it to the following address:

Household Benefits Section
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection&
Social Welfare Services
College Road
Sligo

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How Do I Qualify for the Free Electricity Allowance?

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Anyone over the age of 70 is automatically eligible for the Free Electricity Allowance. If you’re older than 70, you must also:

  • Live legally and permanently in Ireland
  • Be the only person in their household who applies for and receives the allowance.
  • Be the person whose name is registered on the electricity bill.
  • Apply for a Public Services Card if you are requested to do so.

If you’re under 70, you can still apply for the Free Electricity Allowance, however the requirements depend on whether you’re between the ages of 66-70 or under 66. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to apply:

If you're between 66 and 70 years of age

Applicants between 66 and 70 years old can qualify for the Free Electricity Allowance if they either satisfy a means test or receive one of the following:

  • State Pension
  • Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension
  • Deserted Wife's Benefit
  • Garda Widow's Pension from the Department of Justice and Equality
  • Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations
  • Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement

If you’re under 66 years of age

Applicants under 66 must be receiving at least one of the following in order to get the Free Electricity Allowance:

  • Disability Allowance
  • Invalidity Pension
  • Blind Pension
  • Incapacity Supplement with Disablement Pension (for at least 12 months)
  • An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country covered by EU Regulations
  • An equivalent Social Security Pension or Benefit from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement
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What Is the Free Gas Allowance?

The Free Gas Allowance is another allowance provided as part of the Household Benefits Package. As with the Free Electricity Allowance, it is also set at €35 per month. This is to help fight the high natural gas prices that have been rapidly rising since 2020.

Free Electricity Allowance FAQs

What is the Free Electricity Allowance?

The Free Electricity Allowance is part of the Household Benefits Package aimed at helping people at risk of not being able to afford their electricity bills and for vulnerable energy customers. It's been available for a number of years now and will be available alongside the other help for electricity bills that the government has announced such as new electricity credit in the Budget 2024 to help combat the cost of living crisis.

What if I receive the Full-Time Carer’s Allowance?

Any Irish resident who receives the Full-Time Carer’s Allowance and lives with the person they care for may apply for the Free Electricity Allowance.

The same applies to anyone who is the nominated carer of someone in receipt of either the Constant Attendance Allowance or the Prescribed Relatives Allowance.

Is the Living Alone Allowance the same as the Free Electricity Allowance?

No, these are two completely different schemes. The living alone allowance is for citizens already on social welfare and gives a €3 a month increase in the monthly allowance received. 

If you are receiving the Living Alone Allowance and the Free Electricity Allowance, you automatically qualify for the Telephone Support Allowance. This is an additional €2.50 per week, which is paid separately to your primary payment. As you automatically qualify, you do not have to apply for this extra allowance.

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