The free electricity allowance can help you cope with your energy bills. Our guide explores how the payment works and who's eligible to receive it.
The free electricity allowance is a €35 monthly supplement paid by the Department of Social Protection to help people with their electricity bills.
Everyone over 70 and people under 70 who meet certain criteria are eligible to receive the payment, which is part of the Household Benefits Package.
Am I eligible for the free electricity allowance?
The free electricity allowance is available to everyone over 70. The payment isn't means-tested and you don't need to be receiving a State pension in order to get it.
But you must be living in Ireland legally and permanently and be the only person in your household who is receiving the allowance.
In some cases, it's available to people under 70.
People under 70
Individuals between 66 and 70 who are getting a State, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension can also get the €35 monthly allowance.
If you're under 66 and are on Disability Allowance or are getting an Invalidity or Blind Pension, you can also qualify. However in both of these cases you must be living alone or only with "excepted people'.
What are "excepted people"?
If you’re not living alone, but are only living with "excepted people' i.e. someone who earns less than €310 a week, dependent children under 18 or an incapacitated person in need of care for more than a year, you can also get the Free Electricity Allowance.
The Household Benefits Package page of Citizen Information's website details all the qualifying criteria.
I’m a tenant, what are the rules for me?
If you're renting a property you're still entitled to receive the allowance as long as you meet the rules above.
However your landlord must confirm in writing that you are indeed a tenant and are paying the electricity or gas bills. She/he must also provide the MPRN of the address at which you’re living.
How do I get the free electricity allowance?
You can opt to receive the €35 allowance directly into your bank account on the first Tuesday of every month or to collect the money from your local Post Office. If you go with the latter option, you have 90 days to collect your allowance. So don't put it off!
Previously, if your energy supplier was Electric Ireland for electricity or Bord Gáis Energy or Flogas for gas, then you could choose to have the €35 allowance automatically credited onto your bills, which was handy. But from September 2025, this is no longer an option for new applicants.
Can I switch supplier and still get the free electricity allowance?
You can switch suppliers at any stage (to avail of a cheaper rate) and still get your allowance.
However, if you'd previously applied for the payment and were receiving it as a credit against your bill, when you switch supplier your payment will be paid into your bank account or to your local Post Office as outlined above going forward.
Can it be paid toward my gas bill instead?
You can only get one €35 a month payment.
If you have gas heating, then you can choose to put the €35 payment towards your gas bill instead.
How do I apply?
If you qualify for the free electricity allowance, just apply online at MyWelfare.ie.
If you are unable to apply online, you can download the Household Benefit Package application form (pdf) and return it to the address below:
