Fuel Allowance return date confirmed as thousands in line for payment boost
The payment has increased from €33 to €38 per week following a measure introduced in Budget 2026
Thousands of households across Ireland are set to receive the Fuel Allowance again next month, with the weekly payment having increased by €5.
The Fuel Allowance season for 2026/27 is expected to begin on Monday, September 21, providing support to households facing higher heating costs as the colder months approach.
The payment has increased from €33 to €38 per week following a measure introduced in Budget 2026.
Over the standard 28-week Fuel Allowance season, this means eligible households can receive a total of €1,064, an increase of €140 compared with the previous rate.
The allowance is designed to help people who are most vulnerable to energy costs with their heating bills during the winter months.
Recipients can receive the payment weekly alongside their usual social welfare or pension payment. There is also an option to receive the allowance in two lump sums instead.
Those who choose the lump-sum option are expected to receive two payments of €532, with the first due towards the end of September and the second in January.
Who can qualify?
Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment and is available to people who meet the relevant conditions.
It is generally available to people aged 66 or over who meet the means test, as well as certain people under 66 who are receiving qualifying long-term social welfare payments.
One Fuel Allowance payment is available per household.
There has also been an important change to eligibility this year, with people receiving the Working Family Payment now able to qualify for Fuel Allowance.
The Government introduced the expansion as part of Budget 2026, with the change intended to provide additional support to working families facing energy costs.
The weekly rate of €38 has been in place since January 2026, meaning those eligible for the upcoming winter season will receive the higher rate from the outset.
The Fuel Allowance scheme normally runs for 28 weeks, providing support through the period when households are most likely to face increased heating costs.