Beat the Price Increases and Save Money on Electricity in 2025
Don't let rising electricity costs catch you out. Call Selectra today for expert advice on switching providers and finding the cheapest deal on electricity. Prices shown include recently announced price increases and cashback offers.
Variable Rate
26% Discount
30% Discount
The Fuel Allowance for the 2025/2026 season will begin in late September 2025 and will run until April 2026 at a new rate of €38 per week (effective from January 2026) amounting to a total €994. This can be paid in two lump sums: €462 (paid in September) and €532 (paid in January). Eligibility for the Fuel Allowance is determined by specific criteria set by the Department of Social Protection, which was recently expanded to include the Working Family Payment. You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online by using your MyGovID account.
The 2025/2026 Fuel Allowance began on Monday, 22nd of September 2025 and will run for 28 weeks until Friday, 3rd of April 2026.
Weekly payments are made on the same day as you collect your social welfare payment or pension.
The Fuel Allowance in Ireland has been increased to €38 per week (effective January 2026). For the 28-week season, recipients will receive a total of €994 (calculated from the split of 14 weeks at €33 and 14 weeks at €38).
It can also be paid in two lump sum instalments: a first payment of €462 (September 2025) and a second payment of €532 (January 2026).
The Fuel Allowance in Ireland can be received in two different ways:
The total Fuel Allowance for the 2025/2026 season is €994, whether you receive it weekly or as two lump sums of €462 and €532.
Can the Fuel Allowance Be Backdated?
If you apply for the Fuel Allowance after the season commences in September, you will not receive the full payment and it will not be backdated. However, you will still be eligible for the second lump sum payment in January.
Looking for extra financial help to cover the cost of your energy bills in 2025?
Further lower your home energy costs by switching to a cheaper provider with Selectra!
Looking for extra financial help to cover the cost of your energy bills in 2025?
We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we're open!
The Fuel Allowance is a financial scheme that aims to help people pay for heating during the winter months. The figure is set by the government annually as part of the national budget.
It’s paid on a per household basis, so only one member of a household can receive it, and it is usually paid weekly or in instalments.
The Fuel Allowance should not be confused for the Free Electricity Allowance, which is part of the household benefits package and designed to help with electricity bills for those aged over 70.
There are conditions you need to meet when checking to see if you’re eligible for the Fuel Allowance in Ireland.
You must be eligible in each category in order to apply.
You will need to be:
The first consideration for eligibility is your living situation. You must either be living alone or with one of the following:
Secondly, you will need to be receiving one of the following qualifying benefits in order to be eligible for the Fuel Allowance:
Finally, in order to receive the Fuel Allowance, you need to pass the means test to show that your income is below the threshold in order to receive help.
This means that your weekly income (before taxes) needs to be below a certain amount before you can receive the Fuel Allowance.
The amount of money you have also extends to your wealth:
Income Limits
If you’re under 66, your income can’t be over the rate for State Pension plus another €200. This is called the assessable income limit, which is €489.30 a week for a single person or €682 for a couple.
If you’re over 66, you can have an income of up to €524 a week, or €1,048 per week for a couple.
Capital
If you are under 66, the first €20,000 of your investments, savings, property, or shares are not taken into account.
If you’re over 66, this is the first €50,000.
One Fuel Allowance Payment per Household
Even if two or more people in a home qualify for the Fuel Allowance, only one person can claim it.
You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online by using your MyGovID account.
If you prefer to apply by post, you must fill out one of the two following documents.
You can either print this document yourself or pick it up from any post office.
You can request that the allowance go directly into your bank, credit union or building society or collect it from the post office, along with any social welfare payments.
You must send your completed application form to the relevant department to your qualifying payment.
Below you'll find the contact information for the relevant department:
| Qualifying Payment | Application Address |
|---|---|
| Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Co Longford, N39 E4E0 (043) 334 0000 |
| Department of Social Protection, College Road, Co Sligo 071 9157100; 0818 200400 |
| Send your completed application form to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. |
To change your Fuel Allowance to a weekly, or lump sum payment, you can:
If you opt for a lump sum after the first payment has been made, you’ll continue to get weekly payments until the next lump sum is due.
Read More About Grants and Schemes Available in Ireland
The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.
Looking for Lower Energy Bills in 2025?
