Thousands in Ireland missing out on energy bill cash boost and even free TV licence

Some people in Ireland might not be aware that they could be getting additional help paying their TV licence and electricity or gas bill through the Household Benefits Package (HBP).

This initiative by the Government intends to support households across the country with basic utility bills and many people might not even be aware of their eligibility. 

What does the HBP cover?

The HBP has two allowances. The first one provides a monthly allowance of €35 (€1.15 per day) towards your electricity or natural gas bill. It is worth emphasising, both bills cannot be covered by the package. If you have an electricity and natural gas supply, then you must choose which one you want to receive the allowance for.

The second allowance is quite straight forward in that it is simply a free TV licence. 

Who is eligible?

A lot of people can qualify for the HBP. If you are aged 70 and over then you are eligible for the HBP and you do not need to be getting the State pension and the package is not means tested in this instance.

You can also get the HBP if you are under 70. If you are between 66 and 70, you can qualify for the HBP if you get the State pension, Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) pension, or a Deserted Wife's Benefit.

Likewise, anyone receiving a carer's allowance, be it a full or half-rate payment, can also qualify as long as they are living with the person they are caring for. 

If you are in this age bracket and don't fall into any of these groups, you can still qualify if you pass a means test.

People under the age of 66 can also be eligible such as those receiving a disability allowance, invalidity pension, or blind pension. People receiving an Incapacity Supplement for at least 12 months with the Disablement Pension also for at least 12 months qualify as well. Carers under 66 qualify for this package too.

You do not have to be living alone to get the HBP. However, only one person in a household can receive it.

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How is it paid?

If you choose to have your allowance paid as cash, it is paid either to your bank account or post office account on the first Tuesday of every month. You can also collect your allowance from the post office. If you choose cash, your name does not need to be on the bill that you're getting the allowance for.

You can also choose to have your allowance be paid directly to your energy supplier as a credit against your bill each month if your energy supplier is Electric Ireland for electricity or Bord Gáis for gas. If you choose this, your name must be on the bill.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) will then contact Electric Ireland or Bord Gáis, who will then apply the allowance, including any backdated credit, onto your next bill. You can then pay for any electricity or gas you use above the allowance in the normal way.

When it comes to the TV licence, once you qualify for the HBP you will get a free TV licence on your next renewal date. To get your free TV licence, you must select the Television Licence option on the HBP form when you apply.