Fuel allowance to be paid this week
An estimated 15,500 households in Meath are set to benefit from the Fuel Allowance Scheme this winter.
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary announced payments will commence this week for over 465,000 households nationwide, representing one in four households.
The allowance will be paid at a weekly rate of €38 or two instalment payments of €532 each.
You can qualify for Fuel Allowance if you are aged 66 or over, or getting certain other qualifying social welfare payments.
Deputy Aisling Dempsey said this year's Fuel Allowance will ensure people can heat their homes with peace of mind.
"Fuel Allowance is a vital support for households across Meath facing higher heating costs over the winter. It will make a real difference for older people, carers, and those on fixed incomes, ensuring they can keep their homes warm during the colder months."
The scheme has been expanded this year to allow more people to qualify. Since January 2026, people receiving the Working Family Payment who satisfy the relevant qualifying criteria have been eligible for the scheme. Almost 50,000 Working Family Payment recipients qualify for Fuel Allowance.
"The cost of keeping the home warm can place significant pressure on a family's weekly budget. Fuel Allowance helps meet these costs and ensure that people can heat their homes with greater peace of mind," said Deputy Dempsey.
"Fianna Fáil's is committed to ensuring that those who need help with their energy costs can access it."
The weekly payment is made over the winter season (28 weeks from late September/early October to April in the 2026/27 Fuel Allowance season). The first instalment of the lump sum will be paid this week and the second instalment with be paid in January 2027.
People who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension into employment from the 28th of September 2026 will keep their Fuel Allowance for up to five years.
You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year if your circumstances have not changed, and you continue to get the same social welfare payment.