A huge social welfare boost is on the way for nearly 500,000 households this year.

The government announced an increase in the Fuel Allowance, which will rise by €5 to €38 per week, during the 2026 Budget.

The bump in allowance came alongside the Working Family Payment, which was made a qualifying payment in last year’s budget.

fuel allowance lump sum feat
A huge social welfare boost is on the way for nearly 500,000 households this year. Pic: Getty

Now, the Fuel Allowance is set to begin its payment period in just one month.

The 2026/27 allowance will begin on Monday, September 21, and will run until April 2, 2027.

Recipients will be able to choose how they receive their payments, either in weekly payments or in two lump sums. The weekly payment will be €38 a week, or in two lump-sum payments of €532. The first payment will be made at the end of September, and the second in the first week of January 2027.

Social welfare christmas bonus
The Fuel Allowance will be made available from September 21, in either weekly payments or lump sums. Pic: Getty

Payments will be made on the same day as the recipient’s usual social welfare or pension payment.

To qualify for the fuel allowance, you must be aged 66 or over. If you’re under 66 but are in receipt of a long-term qualifying social welfare payment, you may also qualify.

Only one Fuel Allowance payment is paid per household, so one person in your household who’s over 66 should apply for the benefit.

Pensioners are set for a financial boost of up to €1,000 in the budget, as the Minister for Social Protection wants to extend the fuel allowance to people aged under 70. Pic: Shutterstock
Those aged 66 or over automatically qualify for the payments. Pic: Shutterstock

The Working Family Payment is a new qualifying payment for the fuel allowance; if you receive that, you’re able to avail of the fuel allowance.