Fuel Allowance Rules 2026: Major Changes Announced
- Here's a summary of the key data from the text regarding the Fuel Allowance in Ireland:
- * Increase in Payment: The Fuel Allowance will increase from €33 to €38 per week starting in January 2026.
Here’s a summary of the key data from the text regarding the Fuel Allowance in Ireland:
* Increase in Payment: The Fuel Allowance will increase from €33 to €38 per week starting in January 2026.
* Expanded Eligibility:
* From March 2026, those receiving the Working Family Payment will qualify for the Fuel Allowance (payments backdated to January 2026).
* From September 2026, people transitioning from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to work can retain their Fuel Allowance for five years.
* Number of Beneficiaries: Approximately 460,000 households are expected to benefit from these changes.
* Current Eligibility Requirements:
* Be over 66 years old.
* Be under 66 and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.
* Live alone, or with specific individuals.
* Meet a means test.
* Reside in Ireland.
* Disqualification: You cannot receive the allowance if your heating costs are fully covered by your accommodation.
* Who you can live with to qualify: The text starts to list who you can live with,but the list is incomplete in the provided excerpt.
The information relates to Budget 2026 measures.