Almost 23,000 homes in Donegal to get fuel support - Donegal Daily

Fuel allowance payments will begin rolling out to 22,800 households in Donegal from today.The payment is made at the weekly rate of €38 or two instalment paymen...

Fuel allowance payments will begin rolling out to 22,800 households in Donegal from today.

The payment is made at the weekly rate of €38 or two instalment payments of €532 each.

The scheme has been expanded this year to make it available to more households.

Since January 2026, people receiving the Working Family Payment who satisfy the relevant qualifying criteria have been eligible for the scheme. Currently, almost 50,000 Working Family Payment recipients qualify for Fuel Allowance.

In addition, a Budget 2026 measure means that people who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension into employment from 28 September 2026 will keep their Fuel Allowance for up to 5 years.

Fuel Allowance is available through 22 qualifying social welfare schemes.

Overall, more than 465,000 households, representing approximately 26% of all households nationwide, are eligible for the Fuel Allowance scheme.

“Energy prices are a major concern, and this expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme means almost half a million homes will qualify for Fuel Allowance this winter,” said Fine Gael Councillor for Donegal Jimmy Kavanagh.

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Announcing the commencement of the Fuel Allowance Season, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, said: “Fuel Allowance is a vital support for households facing higher heating costs over the winter months, and this week payments will begin for more than 465,000 households across the State.

"For many households, the cost of keeping the home warm can place significant pressure on the weekly budget, particularly during the colder months. Fuel Allowance provides important financial support to help meet these costs and helps ensure that people can heat their homes with greater peace of mind.

"In Budget 2026, we expanded eligibility for the scheme so that more households can benefit from this support. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who need help with their energy costs can access it.

"I would encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify for Fuel Allowance to check their eligibility and make sure they are receiving the support available to them.”

You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year if your circumstances have not changed and you continue to get the same social welfare payment.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Fuel Allowance is online via www.MyWelfare.ie.