The Household Benefits Package helps with the cost of electricity or gas bills and provides a free TV licence. It’s not means-tested if you're over 70 and can save your household hundreds of euro a year.
Keeping a home running isn’t cheap, especially with high energy prices and day-to-day living costs continuing to climb.
But if you meet certain criteria, you might be entitled to some extra support through the Household Benefits Package.
This Government scheme provides year-round help with electricity or gas bills and even covers the cost of your annual TV licence.
And it’s not just for pensioners either — many people under 70 can qualify too, especially if you're living alone or receiving social welfare support.
In this guide we’ll explain exactly what the Household Benefits Package is, who can apply, what’s included, and how to claim it.
What is the Household Benefits Package?
The Household Benefits Package (HBP) is a non-means-tested benefit from the Department of Social Protection that helps with the costs of running your home.
It's a household benefit, meaning only ONE package can be received per household, regardless of how many eligible people live there.
The package has two main benefits:
Electricity allowance or gas allowance: This is a monthly payment of €35 (equivalent to €1.15 per day). It’s designed to help cover a portion of your electricity or natural gas bills. You can only get one payment — so if you have both gas and electricity in your home, you must decide which payment you want to receive.
If your electricity is with Electric Ireland or your gas is with Bord Gáis Energy, the allowance can be applied automatically as a credit against your bill.
Otherwise the monthly payment can be made into your nominated bank account or post office account on the first Tuesday of each month.
Free television licence: This covers the full cost of your annual television licence, which is currently €160.
It’s worth noting that the HBP is different from the Fuel Allowance. While both aim to help with energy costs, the Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with heating costs during the winter months, whereas the HBP is a year-round scheme to help with general household utilities and your TV licence.
Who can qualify for the Household Benefits Package?
To qualify for the HBP, you must live in Ireland. Eligibility mainly depends on your age and whether you receive certain social welfare payments.
For those aged 70 and over
If you’re 70 or over, qualifying for the HBP is usually straightforward. You don’t need to pass a means test, be in receipt of a pension or any other social welfare payment, or to be living alone.
If you’re under 70, you can still qualify for the payment, but there are some conditions you need to meet.
For those aged 66 to 69
If you’re between 66 and 69 years of age, you can qualify for the HBP if you meet certain conditions — namely if you’re living alone and also in receipt of one of the social welfare payments below:
- State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory or Non-Contributory) Pension
- Invalidity Pension
- Carer's Allowance (if you’re living with the person you’re caring for)
- Disability Allowance
- Or, you could qualify if you’re receiving an equivalent Social Security Pension from another country covered by European Union (EU) regulations or a Bilateral Social Security Agreement
If you’re living with your spouse, cohabitant or civil partner, you can get the HBP if you’re getting one of the social welfare payments above and:
- You’re getting an increase in your social welfare payment for them
- They are getting their own qualifying social welfare payment, or
- They are getting a social welfare payment not listed above and they satisfy a means test
If you don’t meet the above conditions, you may still qualify if you meet a means test.
For those aged under 66
If you’re under 66, qualifying for the HBP is generally for specific circumstances related to disability or incapacity. You must:
- Be living alone (or only with a dependent spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, or with certain specified people).
- Be receiving one of the following social welfare payments: Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Disablement Benefit (with Incapacity Supplement)
- Or, you could qualify if you are receiving an equivalent Social Security Pension from another country covered by EU regulations or a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.
In all cases, no matter your age, remember that the HBP is a household benefit, so only one package is granted per household.
A closer look at the free television licence
One of the most popular aspects of the Household Benefits Package is the inclusion of a free television licence.
The standard TV licence fee in Ireland is currently €160, so having this covered can be a significant saving.
Who qualifies for the free TV licence under the Household Benefits Package?
Anyone who qualifies for the full Household Benefits Package automatically qualifies for a free television licence.
This means if you meet the age or payment criteria outlined above, your household will not have to pay the annual fee for a television set.
Do I need a TV licence if I only watch streaming services like Netflix?
This is a common question.
In Ireland, a television licence is required for any premises where a television set (or any other equipment capable of receiving a broadcast signal) is kept or used.
This means that even if you only use your television to watch streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube etc, you still need a TV licence if the device is capable of receiving a broadcast signal.
If you don't pay for a TV licence when one is required, you could face penalties.
The only way to avoid paying for a TV licence is if you don't have any equipment capable of receiving a broadcast signal, or if you qualify for an exemption through a scheme like the Household Benefits Package.
How to apply for the household benefits package
Applying for the Household Benefits Package is a straightforward process.
- Get the application form: The official application form is called HB1. You can download it from the MyWelfare.ie website, pick one up at your local Social Welfare office, or get one from a Citizens Information Centre or post office.
- Gather your details: You will need your Personal Public Service (PPS) number, your electricity Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) or gas Gas Point Reference Number (GPRN), and your current TV licence number (if you have one).
- Complete the form: Fill in all sections accurately. Make sure to sign and date it.
- Submit your application: You can post the completed form to the Household Benefits Package section of the Department of Social Protection, or drop it off at your local Social Welfare office. In some cases, you may be able to apply online via MyWelfare.ie if you have a MyGovID account.
Once your application is processed, if approved, the electricity or gas allowance will be paid directly to your chosen supplier, or into your bank account monthly, and the free TV licence will be arranged for your household.
Important things to remember
- One package per household: As mentioned, only one Household Benefits Package is allowed per household.
- Keep information updated: If your circumstances change, especially your address or payment details, it's important to inform the Department of Social Protection.
- It’s a help, not a full solution: While the Household Benefits Package offers great support, it's just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing your household finances. There are other supports such as the Fuel Allowance and the Additional Needs Payment.
Saving even more on your household bills with bonkers.ie
The Household Benefits Package can help ease the financial burden of running your home in Ireland.
But there are other ways to save on your household bills and costs — such as switching suppliers for your utilities in order to get a better deal.
At bonkers.ie, we make it easy to compare deals and switch providers for a wide range of services. Whether you’re looking to get a better deal on your energy, broadband, mortgage, mobile costs, or insurance, we can help you switch and save money in minutes.
