What Is the Household Benefits Package?
The Household Benefits Package (HBP) is a scheme run by the Department of Social Protection that provides financial assistance to people who are over 70, or aged under 70 and receiving certain qualifying social welfare payments. It is designed to help cover the cost of everyday household utilities.
The package consists of two components: a monthly electricity or gas allowance and a free television licence. You can choose to receive the energy allowance as a credit against your bill (if you are with Electric Ireland or Bord Gáis Energy) or as a cash payment directly to your bank or post office account.
The HBP is separate from the Fuel Allowance, though many households qualify for both. It is also distinct from the Free Electricity Allowance, which is simply the electricity component of this same package. Understanding the full range of government energy schemes available can help you maximise the support you receive.
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What Is the Household Benefits Package Rate in 2026?
The Household Benefits Package rate has remained unchanged for several years. Here is what you receive in 2026:
| Benefit | Value in 2026 | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity or Gas Allowance | €35 per month (€1.15 per day) | €420 |
| Free Television Licence | €160 (renewed automatically) | €160 |
| Total Package Value | — | €580 |
How Do I Receive the Electricity Allowance?
If you are with Electric Ireland or Bord Gáis Energy, you have the option of having your electricity allowance paid directly to these suppliers as a monthly credit against your utility bill.
If you are with any other energy provider — such as SSE Airtricity, Energia, or Flogas — the allowance will be deposited into your bank or post office account as a cash payment.
How Do I Receive the Gas Allowance?
The gas allowance works the same way as the electricity allowance. You can have it paid into your bank account directly or applied as a monthly credit against your Bord Gáis Energy or Electric Ireland gas bill.
Who Qualifies for the Household Benefits Package?
Eligibility for the HBP depends on your age and the social welfare payments you receive. All applicants must meet these basic conditions:
- You must reside in Ireland full-time.
- Only one person per household can receive the package (it is dwelling-based, not person-based).
- For the gas or electricity allowance, the bills must be in your name.
| Age Group | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|
| Over 70 | Automatic qualification — no means test or qualifying payment required. |
| 66–70 | State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory); Widow’s/Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension; Garda Widow’s Pension; Deserted Wife’s Benefit. |
| Under 66 | Disability Allowance; Invalidity Pension; Blind Pension; Incapacity Supplement (12+ months) with Disablement Pension; Carer’s Allowance (if living with the person being cared for). |
Special Circumstances
Widowed or surviving civil partners aged 60–65: You may qualify if your late spouse or partner was receiving the HBP and you were both living together at the time. You must be receiving a qualifying widow’s/widower’s pension or equivalent payment.
Living arrangements (under 70 with a qualifying payment):
- Living with spouse/partner: They must receive an Increase for a Qualified Adult, a qualifying payment, or pass the means test.
- Living with other adults: Their income status does not affect your eligibility.
- Living alone: Only your qualifying payment is required.
EU citizens: If you have moved to Ireland from another EU country, or from a country with a bilateral social security agreement, you can apply. You must be receiving an equivalent social security payment from your home country, supported by the appropriate E-forms.
Means Test for Ages 66–70
If you are aged 66–70 and do not have a qualifying pension, you can still qualify if your weekly income is below the Maximum State Pension (Contributory) rate plus €200. This income limit adjusts automatically whenever the pension rate changes.
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How to Apply for the Household Benefits Package
You can apply for the HBP either online or by post. The online option is the fastest route:
Online Application
Apply through MyWelfare.ie using your MyGovID account. The application is straightforward and you will receive confirmation immediately upon submission.
Postal Application
Download and complete the HB1 form, then post it with the required documents to the address below.
You will need the following information for either method:
- Your contact and address details
- Your PPS number and those of anyone else who lives with you
- GNIB card copy (where applicable)
- Your MPRN number (electricity) and/or GPRN number (gas)
- Television licence number
- Bank details (BIC and IBAN) or post office details
Contact Details
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0818 200 400 or (071) 915 7100 — Mon–Fri, 9am to 5pm |
| [email protected] | |
| Post | Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Household Benefits Section, College Road, Sligo, Ireland |
How to Maximise Your Savings with the HBP
The €35 monthly allowance is a welcome contribution, but there are several ways to make it go further and reduce your overall energy costs.
Switch to a Cheaper Energy Provider
The single most effective way to lower your energy bills is to make sure you are on the cheapest electricity plan available. Many households overpay by staying with their current provider after an introductory discount expires. Switching supplier is free, takes just a few minutes, and could save you hundreds of euros per year on top of your HBP allowance.
Combine with Other Government Supports
Several other schemes can be claimed alongside the HBP:
- Fuel Allowance — a separate means-tested payment of €38 per week during the winter heating season (total €994).
- Household Budget Scheme — fixed deductions from your social welfare payment to help manage utility bills.
- Warmer Homes Scheme — free home energy upgrades (insulation, heating systems) from the SEAI.
- SEAI Grants — funding for insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, windows and doors.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Reducing the amount of energy your home uses means your allowance covers a greater share of your bill. Consider measures such as:
- Upgrading your insulation (attic, cavity wall, and external wall).
- Installing a heat pump to replace an older boiler.
- Using a smart thermostat to control heating more efficiently.
- Following practical energy-saving tips to reduce daily consumption.
Budget 2025/2026 Changes Affecting HBP Recipients
While the HBP rate itself has not changed, several Budget 2026 measures affect households that receive the package:
- Carer’s Allowance now qualifies for the Fuel Allowance (from March 2025).
- Carer’s Allowance income disregard increases from €625/€1,250 (single/couple) to €1,000/€2,000 (from July 2026).
- One-off payments: €300 for Fuel Allowance recipients; €400 for Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, and Invalidity Pension recipients.
- Electricity credits: Budget 2025 included a €250 electricity credit paid in two €125 instalments to all domestic accounts.
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Common Misconceptions About the Household Benefits Package
Advantages
- Available to everyone over 70 with no means test required.
- Can be combined with the Fuel Allowance for over €1,500 per year in support.
- Includes a free TV licence worth €160, renewed automatically.
- Adult children (16+) on Disability Allowance can qualify independently.
Disadvantages
- Only one person per household can receive the package, regardless of how many qualify individually.
- The gas allowance only covers mains natural gas — not LPG or heating oil.
- Direct bill credits are limited to Electric Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy customers.
- Changing address requires a full re-application by post.
“One per household” rule: The HBP is dwelling-based, not person-based. Even if multiple people living under the same roof each meet the eligibility criteria, only one payment is made per household.
Adult children exception: A person aged 16 or over who receives Disability Allowance can qualify in their own right, even if overall household income exceeds normal limits.
Carer’s Allowance: Full or half-rate Carer’s Allowance recipients automatically qualify only when they are living with the person they are caring for.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Household Benefits Package
If you change energy suppliers while receiving the Household Benefits Package, notify the Department of Social Protection as soon as possible. You will need to provide proof of your new supplier (such as a welcome letter or first bill).
Currently, only customers with Bord Gáis Energy and Electric Ireland can have their allowance applied directly to their bill. If you switch to another provider, you will need to provide bank account details to receive cash payments instead. Any unused bill credits with your previous supplier will be refunded to you.
If you are living in a flat or apartment you share with your landlord, you can still qualify for the electricity allowance. However, your landlord must confirm in writing that you are responsible for paying the electricity bills. See our guide to energy bills for tenants for more information.
The package can be backdated in some cases. However, further backdating beyond the standard period will only be allowed if the delay was caused by incorrect information supplied by the Department of Social Protection, or if you were unable to apply due to incapacity. Contact the Department on 0818 200 400 to discuss your case.
If you have a pay-as-you-go meter, you can still receive the allowance. The monthly payment of €35 will be deposited directly into the bank or post office account you provided, rather than being applied as a bill credit.
Conclusion
The Household Benefits Package is a valuable support for eligible households in Ireland, providing up to €580 per year towards energy bills and the television licence. If you are over 70, you qualify automatically. If you are younger and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, it is well worth applying — especially as the package can be combined with the Fuel Allowance and other supports for significant overall savings.
To get the most out of your allowance, make sure you are on the cheapest electricity tariff available and consider improving your home’s energy efficiency. Every euro saved on energy bills means the HBP covers a greater share of your costs.
Related guides
- Free Electricity Allowance: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
- Fuel Allowance Ireland 2025/2026: Rates, Dates & How to Apply
- Warmer Homes Scheme: Free Home Energy Upgrades
- Disability Allowance Ireland: Rates and Eligibility
- SEAI Grants: A Complete Guide to Available Funding
- Average Gas and Electricity Bill in Ireland
- Cheapest Way to Heat a House in Ireland