The cost of living crisis continues to be a pressing concern for many households across Ireland, with the expense of electricity among the biggest burdens.

Amid these challenges, there are support measures available, and some people may not be aware that they can avail of them.

One such assistance program is the Household Benefits Package (HBP), which is designed to alleviate the financial strain of electricity or gas bills, and the TV licence for eligible people.

But what exactly does this package entail, and who can access it? Here's everything you need to know.

What is the Household Benefits Package?

The HBP helps with the cost of your electricity or gas bill, and the TV licence, RSVP reports. Only one person in a household can get the package.

Who can avail of the package?

There are five main conditions to avail of the HBP. These are:

  • Be living in Ireland (full-time, all year round)
  • Be the only person in your household getting the HBP
  • Be aged 70 or over
  • Be aged under 70 and meet some additional rules - which you can read here.
  • Have the electricity or gas bill in your name if you are applying for to have an Electricity or Gas Allowance paid as a credit on your bill

If you are under 70 and you are living with your spouse, cohabitant or civil partner, you can get the HBP if you are getting a qualifying social welfare payment and:

  • You are getting an increase in your qualifying social welfare payment for them or
  • They are getting their own qualifying social welfare payment , or
  • They are getting a social welfare payment not listed as qualifying and they satisfy a means test

You can live with other adults (who are not your spouse, cohabitant or civil partner) and get the HBP.

You can qualify for the Household Benefits Package, if you are widowed or a surviving civil partner aged between 60 and 65 and your late spouse or civil partner was getting the Household Benefit Package before their death.

If you were under 60 when your spouse or civil partner died, you can get the Household Benefits Package when you turn 60 if you meet these conditions.

If you are aged between 66 and 70 and are not getting a qualifying social welfare payment, you must pass a means test. In a means test, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) examines all your sources of income. Your weekly income must be below a certain amount to pass the means test.

How much is the Household Benefits Package?

There are 2 allowances in the Household Benefits Package:

Allowance 1 - Electricity Allowance of €35 monthly (€1.15 per day), or Natural Gas Allowance of €35 monthly (€1.15 per day)

Allowance 2 - Free Television Licence

If you have an electricity and natural gas supply, you must choose between the Electricity Allowance and Gas Allowance. You can choose only one.

If you are getting the Allowance paid as cash, this is paid either to your bank account or post office account on the first Tuesday of each month.

How to apply

You can apply online for the Household Benefits Package using MyWelfare.ie, if you have a MyGovID account.

If you cannot apply online, you can fill in the Household Benefit Package application form (pdf) and post it to the Department of Social Protection.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.