Fuel Allowance: Are you entitled to support with your energy bills?

By Corrib Oil | 30th August 2023

From the end of September, the government pays a Fuel Allowance to those who are entitled to it for 28 weeks. This can be a very useful payment to assist with home energy bills – here’s what you need to know:

The current payment rate is €33/week. You can choose to get the payment weekly, or in two lump sums, which are usually paid in September and January. The fuel allowance is paid to one person per household.

It’s important to apply in advance of the first payment date, because payments are not backdated if you apply later.

Do I qualify for the Fuel Allowance?

To qualify for the allowance, you must satisfy three criteria:

  • You must be living alone or with an approved person i.e. spouse, dependent child, carer
  • Be getting a social welfare payment e.g. Pension, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, One Person Family Payment, Farm Assist etc
  • Satisfy a means test

These conditions are set out in more detail on the Citizen’s Information website.

How do I apply for the Fuel Allowance?

You can apply online at MyWelfare.ie if you have a MyGovID. If you can’t apply online, you can download and print paper forms to use here. You can also pick them up at your local post office.

If you need help with filling in your form, you can call into your local Intreo or Citizen’s Information Centre.

At Corrib Oil, we have a number of options for customers who would like to spread the cost of their home heating oil over a number of months. Check out the three types of Savings Plan we offer.

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