More Irish households could be set for a Fuel Allowance boost in Budget 2026

Many will be glad to know that the Fuel Allowance is expected to increase by about €200 in the upcoming budget to help people with rising energy costs.

The Irish Independent has reported that the Fuel Allowance will be increased following Tánaiste Simon Harris' comments earlier this week that energy companies may be "gouging" customers.

The Government has continuously warned that energy credits would not be given out in this year's budget as they were in previous years to help support people with the cost-of-living.

However, for those receiving the Fuel Allowance, this slight increase will come as a welcome surprise no doubt. 

The payment is expected to go up by €7 a week, adding up to an extra €196 over the 28 week period that it is paid. The first payment of the 2025/2026 winter season began this week and will run through until April.

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With this increase, a weekly payment will rise from €33 to €40 in the budget on October 7. People can also choose to have it paid in two instalments. In total, the payment would go from €924 to €1,120 a year.

In addition to this increase, the eligibility criteria for the allowance is also expected to be widened, meaning more people should be able to avail of it.

Already this year, the age qualification for the payment decreased from over 70 to over 66. As well as this, those receiving the Carer's Allowance could also meet the criteria for the Fuel Allowance.