Wiktor Wise
The Household Benefits Package is a package of allowances that helps with the costs of running a household. It includes the Free Electricity Allowance, which is a €35 monthly supplement paid by the Department of Social Protection to assist eligible individuals with their electricity or gas costs. The allowance is paid to people over 70 and to people under 70 in some circumstances. The easiest way to apply for the Free Electricity Allowance is to go online to MyWelfare.ie and use your MyGovID account.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount | €35 per month or €1.15 per day |
| Who can apply | Individuals over 70, individuals under 70 who meet certain criteria, individuals between 66 and 70 receiving a State, Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension, individuals under 66 receiving Disability Allowance, an Invalidity or Blind Pension and living alone or only with 'excepted people' |
| Application process | Apply online at MyWelfare.ie using your MyGovID account, or download the Household Benefit Package application form and return it to the Household Benefits Package section |
| Payment method | Paid as a credit on your electricity bill or received as a cash payment to your bank account or post office account |
| What it covers | Electricity and gas costs, with a potential extension to gas allowance if you have gas heating |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for the free electricity allowance
The eligibility criteria for the free electricity allowance vary depending on the applicant's age and circumstances. Here are the detailed criteria:
For Individuals Over 70:
Individuals aged 70 or above automatically qualify for the free electricity allowance, which is part of the Household Benefits Package. This package helps with the costs of running a household and includes the electricity or gas allowance and a free television license.
For Individuals Between 66 and 70:
If you are between the ages of 66 and 70, you can qualify for the free electricity allowance if you receive a State, Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension. Additionally, you must be living alone or only with 'excepted people,' which includes someone who earns less than €310 per week, dependent children under 18, or an incapacitated person requiring care for more than a year.
For Individuals Under 66:
If you are under 66, you must be receiving specific benefits or pensions to qualify for the allowance. This includes receiving Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Persons Pension, or Incapacity Supplement with Disablement Benefit. If you are widowed or a surviving civil partner in this age group, you can also qualify under certain conditions, such as if your late spouse was receiving the allowance and you lived together.
General Requirements:
Regardless of age, applicants must be fully resident in the Republic of Ireland and have a verified MyGovID account to apply. The allowance can be paid as a credit on your electricity bill if it is in your name or as cash to your bank or post office account. If you are a tenant, the bill does not need to be in your name, but you must be living in self-contained accommodation, and your landlord must confirm in writing that you pay your energy bills.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you can still apply for a means test to determine if your personal situation qualifies you for the allowance.
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How to apply online
To apply online for the Free Electricity Allowance, part of the Household Benefits Package, visit MyWelfare.ie and use your verified MyGovID account. If you don't have a MyGovID account, you can create one on the website.
On the website, click on the Health, Disability, and Illness tab, followed by the Household Benefits tab. Select 'Apply Now', and log in using your email address and password. You will then be able to fill in the online application form.
You will need to provide details of your living situation, including the PPS Number of the person you live with, if you care for them. You will also need to provide your relationship status and your partner's PPS Number, if applicable.
Additionally, you will need to provide your electricity/gas supplier and either your electricity MPRN or gas GPRN number, as well as your TV licence reference number. If you are applying to have the allowance paid as a credit on your bill, the bill must be in your name. If you are applying to receive the allowance as cash, the bill does not need to be in your name. You will need to provide details of the bank account into which you would like to be paid or the post office for collection.
If you are unable to apply online, you can download the Household Benefit Package application form and return it by post.
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How to apply by post
If you are unable to apply online for the Free Electricity Allowance, you can download the Household Benefit Package application form (PDF) and return it by post. The form can be downloaded from the MyWelfare.ie website.
The Household Benefits Package application form should be returned to the Household Benefits Section, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo, Ireland.
The Free Electricity Allowance is set at €35 per month or €1.15 per day. This can be paid directly into your bank account or collected in person at your local post office. If you choose to collect your allowance from the post office, you have 56 or 90 days to collect your payment. You do not need to be receiving a State pension to qualify for the allowance, and your name does not need to be on the bill if the payment is in cash.
To qualify for the allowance, you must be living in Ireland legally and permanently and be the only person in your household who is receiving the allowance. Individuals over 70 are eligible to receive the payment, as are individuals under 70 in certain circumstances. For example, individuals under 66 on Disability Allowance or receiving an Invalidity or Blind Pension can qualify, but they must be living alone or only with 'excepted people'.
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What to do if you're ineligible
If you are ineligible for the Free Electricity Allowance, there are a few alternative options you can consider to reduce your electricity costs.
Firstly, you can switch to a cheaper energy supplier. This can be done quickly and easily by comparing the best deals across different energy suppliers. By switching to a more affordable provider, you may be able to lower your overall electricity expenses.
Another option is to investigate other government schemes and grants that could assist with your household bills. These programmes may offer alternative allowances or benefits that can help offset your electricity costs.
Additionally, if you are a resident of Ireland, you can consider applying for the Household Benefits Package. This package includes allowances for electricity or gas and a free television licence. To be eligible, you must be fully resident in the Republic of Ireland, and only one member of a household can qualify. The requirements for this package differ depending on your age and circumstances. For instance, if you are under 70, you must be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, and if you are between 66 and 70, you must be receiving a State, Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension.
If you are ineligible for the Free Electricity Allowance due to not being the named person on the bill, you can contact your electricity supplier to have your name changed on the bill. This will enable you to apply for the allowance and receive the credit directly on your bill.
Remember, it is important to stay informed about your options and to explore different avenues to reduce your electricity costs effectively.
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How to change your energy supplier
To apply for a free electricity allowance, you must be fully resident in the Republic of Ireland. The Household Benefits Package is available to those over 70 and to people under 70 in some circumstances, such as receiving a qualifying social welfare payment. The allowance can be paid as a credit on your bill or directly into your bank account. To apply, you will need a verified MyGovID account.
Now, here is a guide on how to change your energy supplier:
Firstly, it is important to review your current energy agreement to understand the price you are paying and to check if there are any penalties for early cancellation. You can then shop around for a new energy supplier that meets your needs. Contact your chosen supplier and let them know you would like to switch. They will provide you with a contract or agreement, and you can compare the new price with your old one. If you agree to their terms, they will then contact your current supplier to enroll your account and switch your energy supply.
If you are receiving a free electricity allowance, you must inform the Department of Social Protection (DSP) of the change. Provide them with proof of your new energy supplier, such as a bill, and they will apply the allowance to your next bill.
You can switch energy suppliers as many times as you like, but be sure to check the terms and conditions of your contract for any potential charges or penalties. There is usually no charge from the distributor for changing suppliers, but there may be a charge from your supplier, depending on your agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply online at MyWelfare.ie through your verified MyGovID account. If you are unable to apply online, you can download the Household Benefit Package application form and return it to the Household Benefits Package section at the following address: Household Benefits Package Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland.
Individuals over 70 automatically qualify for the free electricity allowance. Individuals between 66 and 70 who are receiving a State, Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension can also qualify. Applicants under 66 must be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment and may need to meet additional criteria.
You will need to provide your electricity or gas supplier and either your electricity MPRN or gas GPRN. If you are applying to have the allowance paid as a credit on your bill, you must have the bill in your name. If you are applying to receive the allowance as a cash payment, the bill does not need to be in your name. You will also need to provide details of the bank account into which you would like to be paid or the post office for collection.
The free electricity allowance is a €35 monthly supplement paid by the Department of Social Protection to help eligible individuals with their electricity or gas costs. The allowance can be applied as a credit to energy bills or received as a cash payment.
