Publication
Social protection: Cost of living supports
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Additional Needs Payment is means tested payment available to you if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income.
You may get this payment even if you are not getting a social welfare payment. It may be available to you if you are working and on a low income regardless of the number of hours that you work.
Fuel Allowance, is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. Minister Humphreys also secured a major expansion of the scheme which will see up to 81,000 new households supported with their fuel cost for the first time.
This measure will took effect in January 2023.
The Household Benefits package is available to help towards the costs of your electricity or gas bills. It also includes your television licence. Only one HBP is payable per household.
The package is available to everyone over 70. It is not means tested and you do not need to be getting a pension.
If you are between 66 and 70 you may still get the package, if you meet the necessary conditions.
You may also qualify if you are under 66 and get Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance (if you are living with the person you are caring for).
The 2023 social protection budget package included 8 lump-sum payments totalling €1.2 billion as well as weekly rate increases of €12, effective from January 2023.
These measures are designed to assist families and individuals across the State with the cost of living.
The 8 lump sum payments include: