You could be missing out on a payment of €420 towards gas and electricity bills

In the midst of the recent cold snap that gripped the country, many people may be struggling with the cost of their gas and electricity bills. Winter is a difficult time financially for many, but thankfully there are some schemes in place to help ease the burden. One such scheme is the Household Benefits Package, which people may not be aware they're eligible for. Read more:How to apply for emergency social welfare payment after freezing weather Read more:Simple step by step guide to claiming 2024 work from home expenses The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps with the cost of your electricity or gas bill and the TV licence. You do not have to be living alone to get the Household Benefits Package. However, only one person in a household can get the Package. You can get the Household Benefits Package if you are aged 70 or over. You do not need to be getting a State pension and the package is not means tested. If you are between 66 and 70 you may still get the package, if you meet the necessary conditions. You may also get the package if you are under 66 and get Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance (if you are living with the person you are caring for). Here's everything you need to know about it and how to apply. How much is the Household Benefits Package? The rate of payment for your electricity or gas bill is €1.15 per day. Payment is either paid to the service supplier and deducted from your bill or paid into your bank account or post office. Cash payment is paid monthly, on the first Tuesday of each month. When you qualify for the Household Benefits Package you qualify for a free Television Licence from its next renewal date. You apply for this as part of your Household Benefits Package application. To get your Household Benefit Package payment as a credit applied to your electricity or gas bill, you must provide a bill showing that you are the registered bill payer for the address you are applying for. Read More Related Articles Social welfare Ireland: Thousands qualify for new scheme to add on to other payments Read More Related Articles Cost of living Ireland: Full list of social welfare payments changes in 2025 and confirmed dates How to apply You can now apply on www.MyWelfare.ie for the Household Benefits Package. If you cannot apply online, you can fill in the Household Benefit Package application form (pdf) and return it to the Household Benefits Package section of the Department of Social Protection at the following address: Household Benefits Package Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland F91 T384

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