Budget 2026: How to apply for over €1,000 fuel payment as it's increased and expanded

A vital winter payment has seen some changes as part of Budget 2026. Fuel Allowance will see a €5 weekly increase come into effect from January, as well as expanded eligibility to families on Working Family Payment coming into effect from March 2026. Here's everything you need to know about Fuel Allowance and how to claim. What is Fuel Allowance? Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household. How much is Fuel Allowance? At the minute, the Allowance is paid out in two lump sums worth €924, or in weekly payments over 28 weeks of €33. However, the 28-week payment has been upped by €5 to €38 per week as part of Budget 2026, bringing it to an overall sum of €1,064. The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. The first lump sum this year was be paid out on the 22nd of September, with weekly payments also starting on that date. Who is eligible for Fuel Allowance? To get Fuel Allowance, you must: Be over 66 or over Be under 66 and get a qualifying social welfare payment Live alone (or only with certain people) Satisfy a means test As announced in Budget 2026, Working Family Payment will be considered a qualifying social welfare payment where it wasn't previously. You must also live in Ireland. You cannot get Fuel Allowance if your heating costs are provided in full as part of your accommodation. Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment. This means that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) examines all your sources of income. Your gross weekly income must be below a certain amount to pass the means test. For the full details on these conditions, click here. How to apply Applications are still open for the payment. but if you apply for Fuel Allowance after the start of the Fuel Allowance season, it will not be backdated. For families who are on Working Family Payment, the eligibility will be come into effect in March 2026 and be backdated to January 2026. You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year as long as, your circumstances remain the same and you continue to get the same social welfare payment. You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online. You must have a MyGovID account to apply online. If you can’t apply online, you can use a paper application form: If you are aged under 66, fill in the NFS1 form to apply for fuel allowance. If you are aged 66 or over, fill in the NFS2 form to apply for fuel allowance. You can also get a form from your local post office or by phoning 0818 200 400. You should ask for the relevant form for your age. You can get help to fill in your application form at your Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens Information Centre.