Two of the most valuable — and most automatic — supports for older people in Ireland are the Free Travel Scheme and the Household Benefits Package. Between them they cover public transport, a chunk of your energy bill and your TV licence. If you (or a parent) are over 66, it's worth making sure you have both.
Quick facts
- Free Travel
- Free public transport — bus, rail, Luas, many local services
- Household Benefits
- An electricity or gas allowance + free TV licence
- Who
- Everyone 66+, plus some under-66s (disability, carers)
- Companion
- Some passes let a companion travel free with you
The Free Travel Scheme
Free Travel gives you free public transport — Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann (rail), Luas, DART and many local and rural services. You get it automatically at 66 if you're getting a State Pension, and some people under 66 qualify too (for example, those getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance). Some passes include a "companion" or "+1" option, letting a person travel free with you if you can't travel alone.
Your paper pass stopped working on 1 March 2026
If you still have an old Free Travel Paper Pass, it is no longer valid. Since 1 March 2026 travel operators cannot accept them, and the replacement is a Public Services Card. If you have not swapped yours over, contact the Department before you next travel rather than finding out at the barrier.
What the letters on your card mean
Look at the top left of your Public Services Card. FT means Free Travel, and the letter after it says who else can travel free with you:
- FT-P — you travel free.
- FT+S — your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you free.
- FT+C — the Free Travel Companion Pass: a companion aged over 16 can travel with you free. Since September 2025 everyone aged 70 or over is entitled to a companion card, whether or not they can travel alone.
That last one is worth checking. A great many people over 70 are carrying an FT-P card and are entitled to an FT+C.
Travelling into Northern Ireland
Free Travel covers certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free within Northern Ireland you need a separate Senior SmartPass, which you apply for on top of Free Travel.
The Household Benefits Package
This package helps with the cost of running your home. It includes:
- An electricity or gas allowance — a set amount credited toward your energy bill each month.
- A free TV licence.
You generally qualify if you're 70 or over (with no means test), or aged 66–69 / under-66 on certain payments and meeting the conditions (such as living alone or only with qualifying people).
How to apply — step by step
Check if it's automatic
Free Travel usually starts automatically with the State Pension at 66. If you don't get a card, contact the Department.
Apply for Household Benefits
Apply through MyWelfare.ie or the paper form — you'll need your energy account details (MPRN/GPRN).
Ask about a companion pass
If you can't travel alone, request the Free Travel companion option so someone can travel free with you.
Stack with Fuel Allowance
Many people who get these also qualify for the Fuel Allowance — don't leave that one behind either.
Common questions
Who qualifies for Free Travel in Ireland?
Can someone travel with me for free?
Who gets the Household Benefits Package?
Do I have to apply?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
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