What is the Household Benefits Package in Ireland?

The Household Benefits Package is a set of allowances to help with the costs of running a household. It includes an Electricity or Gas Allowance of €35 per month (credited directly to your electricity or gas bill) and a Free Television Licence (worth €160 per year). It is administered by the Department of Social Protection.

Who is eligible for the Household Benefits Package in Ireland?

You qualify automatically if you are aged 70 or over and are ordinarily resident in Ireland. If you are under 70, you may qualify if you are receiving certain social welfare payments (such as Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, or a Widow's Pension) and are living alone or only with other qualifying people. The Habitual Residence Condition applies.

How much is the Electricity Allowance in Ireland in 2026?

The Electricity or Gas Allowance is €35 per month (€420 per year) in 2026. It is credited directly to your electricity or gas account by your energy supplier — you do not receive cash. You choose whether to have it applied to your electricity or gas bill.

Does everyone over 70 get the Household Benefits Package?

Everyone aged 70 or over who is ordinarily resident in Ireland can apply for the Household Benefits Package, regardless of their income or social welfare status. There is no means test for those aged 70+. If you are 70 and living with others who are also 70+, only one household member receives the package.

How do I apply for the Household Benefits Package in Ireland?

Apply online at MyWelfare.ie if you have a MyGovID account, or complete form HB1, available from Intreo Centres or post offices. If you are already receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, you may be automatically assessed — but it is worth applying directly if you have not already received the package.

Can I get the Household Benefits Package if I live with other people?

For those under 70: you must generally live alone or only with other people who qualify for the package, or with dependants (children). For those aged 70+: you can live with others and still qualify — but only one Household Benefits Package is paid per household.

Household Benefits Package Ireland 2026 — Electricity Allowance + Free TV Licence

Household Benefits Package in Ireland

Q: Can someone under 70 get the Household Benefits Package?

Yes, in certain circumstances. People under 70 who are receiving Carer's Allowance (full-time), Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, or certain widow's/widower's pensions can qualify — provided they live alone, or with people who also qualify for the package, or with certain dependants.

The Household Benefits Package gives eligible households €35/month off their electricity or gas bill plus a free TV licence (worth €160/year). It is automatic for those over 70 and available to certain social welfare recipients under 70. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.

Reading time: 4 minutes Last updated: June 22, 2026

Household Benefits Package — At a glance

Electricity/Gas Allowance: €35 per month (€420/year)
TV Licence: Free (worth €160/year)
Automatic from age: 70 — no means test
One package per: Household — even if two qualifying people live together

Key facts — Household Benefits Package 2026

Electricity/Gas Allowance €35 per month €420 per year — credited to your bill

TV Licence Free (worth €160/year)

Total annual value ~€580 per year

Automatic from age 70 years old No means test for 70+

Under 70 eligible? Yes — on qualifying payments

Per household One package only

What does the Household Benefits Package include?

Electricity or Gas Allowance — €35/month — credited directly to your electricity or gas bill. You choose which utility receives the credit. You cannot split it between both.
Free Television Licence — a free annual TV licence (worth €160). This is applied automatically once you receive the package.

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The electricity/gas credit is paid directly to your energy supplier — you don't receive cash. It appears as a credit on your bill each month, reducing the amount you owe.

Who qualifies?

Aged 70 and over (no means test):

Anyone aged 70+ who is ordinarily resident in Ireland qualifies — regardless of income, savings, or whether you receive a social welfare payment
Only one package per household — even if both occupants are over 70

Under 70 — qualifying payments:

Carer's Allowance (full-time carers)
Disability Allowance
Invalidity Pension
Blind Pension
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension
Deserted Wife's Allowance or Benefit
One-Parent Family Payment (in some cases)

For those under 70, you must also be living alone, or only with other qualifying people, or with dependant children.

How to apply for the Household Benefits Package

Apply online at MyWelfare.ie
The fastest way to apply is online at MyWelfare.ie if you have a verified MyGovID account. Otherwise, complete form HB1, available from Intreo Centres and post offices.
Provide your electricity or gas account number
You will need to specify which account receives the €35/month credit and provide the account number. Make sure the account is in your name or that you are the bill payer.
Confirm your circumstances
For under-70 applicants, you need to confirm your qualifying social welfare payment and your living arrangements (who else is in the household).
Credit appears on your bill
Once approved, the €35/month credit is applied directly to your energy bill each month. Your TV licence is also arranged automatically — you do not pay separately.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Household Benefits Package?

A set of allowances including €35/month electricity or gas credit (€420/year) and a free TV licence (€160/year) — total value approximately €580/year.

How much is the Electricity Allowance in 2026?

€35 per month (€420 per year), credited directly to your electricity or gas account. You choose which utility receives the credit.

Does everyone over 70 qualify?

Yes — anyone over 70 who is ordinarily resident in Ireland qualifies regardless of income. No means test applies. Apply using form HB1 or at MyWelfare.ie.

Can someone under 70 get the Household Benefits Package?

Yes, if you receive Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension or a Widow's/Widower's Pension — and you live alone or only with other qualifying people.

Can I choose electricity or gas?

Yes. You choose one — electricity or gas. The credit goes to that account. You cannot split it between both utilities.

How do I apply?

Online at MyWelfare.ie or using form HB1 from Intreo Centres. Provide your energy account number and confirm your living arrangements.

Only one package per household?

Yes. Even if two people in the same house both qualify individually, only one Household Benefits Package is paid per household address.

Common misunderstandings about the Household Benefits Package

It is not automatic — even for those over 70, you must apply using form HB1 or at MyWelfare.ie if you have not already received it
Only one package per household — even if two qualifying people live together, only one electricity/gas credit and one TV licence is issued
You choose electricity OR gas — not both; the credit applies to one utility account only
Under 70, you must live alone or with other qualifying people — if you live with someone who does not qualify and is not your dependant, you may not be eligible

Official sources

This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Household Benefits Package rates and eligibility rules.

Reviewed by

Vitor Alves

Founder of D’Emilia Accounting

Tax adviser and accountant helping immigrants and businesses in Ireland.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026 · About this site