Fuel Allowance Expansion: 48,000 More Families to Benefit in 2026

Approximately 48,000 families receiving the Working Family Payment will become eligible for the Fuel Allowance starting in March 2026, a change confirmed in Budget 2026. This expansion of eligibility will be backdated to January 2026, providing crucial support to low-income working families with children during the colder months.

What is the Fuel Allowance?

The Fuel Allowance is a weekly payment designed to help households with their energy bills. Currently, it provides €38 per week for 28 weeks annually Citizens Information. The allowance can be received in one of two ways: 28 weekly installments or two lump-sum payments.

Who Currently Qualifies for the Fuel Allowance?

As of January 2026, approximately 460,000 households qualify for the scheme Gov.ie. To qualify, applicants generally must:

• Be over 66 years of age
• Be under 66 and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment
• Live in Ireland
• Not have heating costs fully covered by accommodation

How the Working Family Payment Changes Eligibility

Traditionally, the Fuel Allowance was not available to recipients of the Working Family Payment. Budget 2026 changes this, recognizing the financial pressures faced by working families. The Working Family Payment is a weekly, tax-free payment supporting employees on low pay Citizens Information.

Key Changes from Budget 2026

• Increased Income Limits: Weekly income thresholds for the Working Family Payment have increased by €60 for all family sizes Irish Examiner.
• Fuel Allowance Access: Families receiving the Working Family Payment will now qualify for the Fuel Allowance, starting in March 2026 and backdated to January 2026.
• Fuel Allowance Increase: The Fuel Allowance itself increased by €5 to €38 per week from January 2026 Citizens Information.

How to Apply for the Fuel Allowance

Applications for the Fuel Allowance can be made online through MyGovID. Paper application forms are also available:

• NFS1: For applicants under 66 years of age.
• NFS2: For applicants 66 years of age or over.

Forms can be obtained from post offices or by calling 0818 200 400. Assistance with applications is available at Intreo Centres and Citizens Information Centres.

If your circumstances remain unchanged and you continue to receive the same social welfare payment, you do not need to reapply annually.

Fuel Allowance Season Dates

The current Fuel Allowance season began on September 22nd and will conclude during the week beginning April 6th.