Amount
No set rate: based on your need
It is part of Supplementary Welfare Allowance and is means tested. It is worth asking about if you were refused Fuel Allowance because of who you live with, as it is decided separately.
Quick facts
- Amount
- No set rate: based on your need
- Paid
- Weekly
- Who decides
- Community Welfare Officer (CWO)
- You need
- A form from your GP or consultant
- Apply at
- Any Intreo Centre or Branch Office
Who can get it — the full rules
You must have extra heating costs because of the ill health or infirmity of you or your dependants. You can also apply on behalf of a spouse, partner or dependent child.
You usually need to be living alone, or only with a dependent adult or dependent children. The CWO can still pay it if your circumstances are exceptional. You also need to pass the SWA means test.
You won't normally be eligible if you have other resources to cover the cost, work full-time (30 hours or more a week), are in full-time education, or are on strike.
How much it pays
There is no set rate. The amount depends on your weekly household income, your savings, your household expenses, the cost of the extra heating, and your ability to meet these costs.
How to apply
Get the form at an Intreo office
Collect an application form in any Intreo Centre or Branch Office; there is no need to make an appointment.
Ask your GP or consultant to complete it
A medical practitioner has to fill in the form to confirm the extra heating need.
Bring proof of income and costs
Bring documents like pay slips and bank statements, and recent heating bills if relevant.
Ask for a review if refused
If you are unhappy with the CWO's decision, you can ask for an internal review.
Things to watch
This is a discretionary payment, so give the CWO as much detail as you can about the illness and the extra heat it needs. If you are asking for a review, add any new information that helps your case.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Ask for the form to be posted to you
- Request a form online
- Heating Supplement application form (any Intreo Centre or Branch Office)
- application form
- If you are refused
- Ask for an internal review of the Community Welfare Officer's decision, with any extra information.
From the official pages (gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the heating supplement in Ireland?
An extra weekly payment under Supplementary Welfare Allowance for people with extra heating needs due to ill health or infirmity.
How much is the heating supplement?
There is no set rate. The Community Welfare Officer works it out from your income, savings, expenses and the cost of the extra heating.
Where do I get the heating supplement application form?
Collect it at any Intreo Centre or Branch Office. You can fill it out there with no appointment, or ask for it to be posted to you.
Can I get heating supplement if I work?
You won't normally be eligible if you work full-time, which means 30 hours or more a week.