Thousands of households across Ireland could be missing out on €580 towards energy bills
The Household Benefits Package is designed to help with the cost of running a home
More than 100,000 households across Ireland could potentially be missing out on a social welfare support worth around €580 a year.
With household energy costs continuing to put pressure on families and individuals across the country, people are being encouraged to check whether they could qualify for the Household Benefits Package.
The package is designed to help with the cost of running a home and currently includes an Electricity or Gas Allowance as well as a Free Television Licence.
The energy element is currently worth €1.15 per day, equivalent to around €420 over the course of a full year, while the cost of a standard TV licence is €160. Together, the supports are worth approximately €580 annually to an eligible household.
However, recent figures have suggested that a significant number of people who could potentially benefit from the scheme are not currently receiving it.
According to figures, around 559,700 households currently receive the Household Benefits Package.
Analysis of the figures suggested that as many as 116,000 additional households could potentially be missing out, although the Department of Social Protection has cautioned that this estimate is experimental and may include some households already receiving the package through other qualifying criteria.
The Department is also planning a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of the scheme.
Who qualifies for the Household Benefits Package?
People aged 70 and over can qualify for the Household Benefits Package without having to pass a means test, regardless of who they live with.
However, the payment is not limited to people over 70. Those aged between 66 and 70 may qualify if they receive certain State pensions or satisfy a means test.
People under 66 can also qualify in certain circumstances, including recipients of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension and certain Incapacity Supplement payments.
People receiving Carer's Allowance may also qualify where they live with the person they are caring for.
Only one person in a household can receive the Household Benefits Package, and applicants must be fully resident in Ireland.
What do you get?
Eligible households can receive either an Electricity Allowance or Gas Allowance, not both, currently worth €1.15 per day.
The package also includes a Free Television Licence, meaning eligible households do not have to pay the standard €160 annual licence fee.
Those who believe they may qualify can apply online through MyWelfare. A verified MyGovID account is required to complete an online application.
With hundreds of euro available each year, households who have never applied for the support are being encouraged to check the eligibility criteria rather than assume they do not qualify.