The Fuel Allowance is worth €38 a week through the winter — around €1,064 a year — but the rules on age, income and who you live with put a lot of people off checking. This free tool tells you in about 30 seconds whether it's worth applying. Nothing is sent.
Could you get the Fuel Allowance?
The same four tests the Department uses, in about a minute. It's worth €38 a week across the winter season, about €1,064. Nothing is sent.
A guide, not a decision. Limits for 2026: at 66 or over, €534 (€640.80 from January 2027) a week single or €1,068 a couple, with the first €50,000 of savings ignored. Under 66, €499.30 (€509.30 from January 2027) single, €698.70 (€715.40 from January 2027) for a couple (€767.70 (€786.70 from January 2027) if your partner is 66+), with the first €20,000 ignored. The season opened on 28 September 2026 and is not backdated, so if you're close, apply now.
What you get
From January 2026 the Fuel Allowance is €38 a week, paid across the 28-week winter season (roughly late September to April) — about €1,064 in total. You can have it paid weekly, or in two lump sums.
Who can get it
- You're 66 or over and pass the means test — or you're under 66 and getting a qualifying payment (such as long-term Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Invalidity Pension or, from 2026, Working Family Payment).
- You're the person mainly responsible for heating the home, and you live alone or only with people on the allowed list: a partner, your children, someone 66 or over, a carer on Carer's Benefit, and a few others.
- You satisfy the means test.
The means test
If you're 66 or over, you can have gross weekly income up to €534 (€640.80 from January 2027) (single) or €1,068 (a couple) and still qualify. The first €50,000 of savings and investments is ignored. Under 66 the limit is €499.30 (€509.30 from January 2027) for a single person, €698.70 (€715.40 from January 2027) for a couple, or €767.70 (€786.70 from January 2027) if your partner is 66 or over, and only the first €20,000 of savings is ignored.
Common questions
How much is the Fuel Allowance in 2026?
What's the income limit?
Can I get it if I work?
Only one person in my house can get it?
Check the official sources
This is a free estimate to help you decide whether to make a claim — not an offer or a guarantee, and not financial advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm your exact entitlement with the official source before acting.
See what else you're entitled to in Ireland
Fuel Allowance often comes alongside other supports. Our free checker lists the payments, credits and grants you may be owed — in about a minute.
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