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The Irish Sun

Major boost for thousands of Irish as €33 weekly payment or €462 double lump sum set for return in just weeks

THOUSANDS of Irish households will get an extra €33 a week in their pocket in just weeks as a vital payment returns. The Fuel Allowance Advertisement 2 400,000 households received the allowance last year, with that number set to increase following eligibility reductions made in budget 2025 Credit: Getty Images - Getty Last year, the Now the Currently, the weekly Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. To qualify for the payment, you must be over 66, live alone, and satisfy a means test. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS If you are under 66, you'll need to be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as a pension, to apply. Those living with dependent People on the Carer's Allowance are eligible as well, provided they meet all other criteria. Only one person per household can receive the allowance, and they must be residing in Ireland at the time of application. Advertisement Most read in Money In 2024, 400,000 households received the allowance. This year, that number is expected to rise following a four-year reduction in the eligibility age under Budget 2025. The news comes following debates in the Dail this week. Taoiseach Micheal Martin recently ruled out a repeat of 2025's €2.6 billion cost-of-living package. Advertisement BUDGET CONCERNS Similarly, government leaders have agreed to scrap one-off payments such as energy credits and double Child Benefit boosts. But what does this mean for those hardest hit by the Susanne Rogers of Social Justice Ireland says social welfare rates must increase to ensure vulnerable people are not left behind. She said previous cost-of-living supports offered short-term relief for low-income households, almost 650,000 people remain below the poverty line. Advertisement And without any of those supports, that number would likely be closer to 750,000. 2 Those over 66 do not need to sit a means test to receive the €924 payment Credit: Getty Images - Getty