What Is the Household Benefits Package in Ireland?
The Household Benefits Package Ireland scheme helps eligible households with the cost of electricity or gas. It also includes a Free Television Licence.
The scheme is administered by Ireland’s Department of Social Protection. It can be particularly helpful for older people, pensioners and people receiving certain disability or caring payments.
You do not have to live alone to qualify. However, only one person in a household can receive the Household Benefits Package, and you must live in Ireland full-time.
Official information: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/household-benefits-package/
Who Is Eligible for the Household Benefits Package?
Your eligibility depends mainly on your age, social welfare payment and living circumstances.
People aged 70 or over
If you are aged 70 or older and live full-time in Ireland, you can generally qualify without receiving a State Pension. The payment is not means-tested for this age group.
People aged 66 to 69
You may qualify if you receive a qualifying payment, such as the State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Non-Contributory). If you do not receive a qualifying payment, you may still qualify if you satisfy the relevant means test.
People under 66
You may qualify if you receive certain payments, including:
- Disability Allowance.
- Invalidity Pension.
- Blind Pension.
- Carer’s Allowance, if you live with the person you care for.
- Certain other qualifying payments, including some equivalent foreign social security payments.
Special rules apply to some carers, bereaved partners and people receiving other qualifying benefits.
Meeting an age or payment condition does not automatically guarantee approval. The Department will check your circumstances and the scheme’s requirements.
What Benefits Are Included?
The Household Benefits Package has two main parts.
1. Electricity or Gas Allowance
Eligible recipients receive an allowance towards either their electricity or gas costs. You cannot receive both allowances under the package at the same time.
The current allowance rate is €1.15 per day. It is paid monthly, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, into your nominated bank account or through your nominated post office. The monthly amount varies slightly according to the number of days in the month.
Since 8 September 2025, new customers receive this allowance through their bank account or post office rather than as a direct credit on their energy bill. Existing customers already receiving a bill credit may continue with that arrangement while their circumstances remain unchanged.
2. Free Television Licence
The package can also cover your TV licence. If approved, your free licence generally starts from the next renewal date after your entitlement begins.
You should select the TV licence option when completing your application if you want to receive this benefit.
The allowance helps with household expenses, but it may not cover all your energy usage. You remain responsible for any additional charges.
Can Renters Apply?
Yes. People renting accommodation may qualify if they meet the scheme’s eligibility rules.
If the electricity or gas account is in your landlord’s name, additional evidence may be required. Your landlord may need to confirm in writing that you are a tenant and pay your own energy bills. You may also need the electricity MPRN or gas GPRN for the property.
Before applying, check your tenancy arrangements and gather the relevant utility details.
How to Apply for the Household Benefits Package
You can apply online or by using the official paper application form.
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Confirm your age, qualifying payment and full-time residence in Ireland.
Step 2: Prepare your details. You may need your PPS number, relationship details and information about other people living in your household.
Step 3: Gather utility information. Have your electricity MPRN or gas GPRN ready. If applying for the TV licence benefit, prepare your TV licence reference if requested.
Step 4: Apply online. Visit MyWelfare and select the Household Benefits Package service. A verified MyGovID account is required.
Step 5: Alternatively, use the paper form. Download the HB1 Household Benefits Package application form from the Department of Social Protection website and follow its submission instructions.
Apply online: https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/pensions-and-older-people/household-benefits-package/
Application form: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/forms/household-benefits-package-application-form-hb1/
What If Your Application Is Refused?
If your application is refused, read the decision letter carefully to understand the reason. Check whether any documents or information are missing.
Contact the Household Benefits Package Section if you need clarification or believe your circumstances were not fully considered.
You can contact the Department at 0818 200 400 or 071 9157 100. You can also check the official scheme page for current contact details.
Conclusion
The Household Benefits Package Ireland scheme can help eligible residents manage electricity or gas expenses and obtain a free TV licence. People aged 70 or over can generally qualify without a means test, while younger applicants must meet additional conditions.
Check the official eligibility rules, prepare your documents and apply through MyWelfare or the paper application form. Always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Social Protection before applying.
