Energy Supports

The Government is acutely aware of the impacts of high energy prices on families, individuals and businesses, and has made a range of targeted supports available.

• An Additional Needs Payment – You may be eligible for this payment if you have essential expenses that you cannot afford such as electricity or gas bills. This is a means-tested payment and is administered by the Department of Social Protection’s Community Welfare Service. Learn more at gov.ie/ANP
  

• Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) supplements are paid weekly or monthly to help meet ongoing necessary costs which you cannot meet out of your weekly income. If you need additional heating due to ill health or infirmity, you may qualify for this means tested payment. Visit Supplementary-Welfare-Allowance-Supplements
  

• The Fuel Allowance payment helps with home heating costs during winter. You can claim the allowance if you are aged 70 or over, or in receipt of long-term social welfare payments or carer’s allowance. If you are aged 66 and over you may may also be eligible for the fuel allowance. The fuel allowance is increasing to €38 per week, from January 2026. Find out more at gov.ie/FuelAllowance
  

• The Households Benefits Package helps with the cost of electricity or gas bills and includes a free TV licence. For those aged 70 or over, it is not means tested. It is also open to those under 70 provided they meet certain criteria such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance (if you are living with the person you are caring for).
  

• The Housing Aid for Older People Grant is to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by local authorities.
  
  
• Fully funded home energy upgrades are available to homeowners who receive certain welfare payments. Find out more here: Fully Funded Home Energy Upgrades and Grants SEAI
  
  
• Homeowners can borrow up to €75,000 at low-interest rates under the Government’s Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. This scheme is to support people to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home with an approved SEAI contractor.
  

• The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers is a targeted initiative – designed to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in households registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register. Find out more: Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers

If you are having trouble paying your energy bills:

• Contact your energy supplier, so that you will not be disconnected. They will offer a repayment plan. Many suppliers are signed up to the Energy Engage Code which offers a range of protections once you engage with your supplier. Suppliers may also have a hardship fund.
• If you are a vulnerable customer you should also engage with your supplier as you will have extra protections from disconnection.
• If you are in arrears or struggling with energy debt, contact MABS (the Money Advice and Budgeting Service) www.mabs.ieor call 0818 07 2000 Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
• If you are over 60 and worried about your energy bills, contact ALONE alone.ie

For advice and information on your rights as an energy consumer contact The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)cru.ie

Further information on Government of Ireland social welfare schemes and services is available here.