Can I get the Household Benefits Package in Ireland?
Yes — automatically and with no means test at 70+, or via a qualifying payment if you're younger. The Household Benefits Package has two parts: an Electricity or Gas Allowance of €1.15 a day (about €35 a month), and a Free TV Licence (covering the €160 fee). Anyone aged 70 or over qualifies automatically, with no means test and no need to be on a State pension. Only one person per household can get the package, and you needn't live alone or have the bill in your name. If you're under 70, you qualify through a qualifying payment such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, the Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance. It's paid monthly. In short: yes — free at 70+, or with a qualifying payment under 70.
📋 The rules
- Electricity or gas allowance ~€35 a month
- Plus a free TV licence (€160)
- 70+ qualifies automatically, no means test
- Under 70: need a qualifying payment
- One package per household
🔓 Exceptions
- Ages 66–70 without a qualifying payment: a means test applies
- Rent-a-room income up to €14,000 a year is ignored
- You keep it for up to 13 weeks in hospital
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There are no penalties — these are benefits. The Free TV Licence (€160) starts only from your next renewal date, and you tick the box on the form. You must notify the DSP of any change of circumstances, and if you change address you must re-apply. For ages 66–70 without a qualifying payment, the means test allows weekly means up to the maximum State Pension (Contributory) rate plus €200, and rent-a-room income up to €14,000 a year is ignored. You keep the package for up to 13 weeks in hospital, but residential care ends it. Beware a myth: "you must live alone to get it" is false — you can live with others and their income is ignored; only one person per household may hold the package. To claim: apply on MyWelfare.ie or form HB1.
📎 Official sources
- Citizens Information — Household Benefits Package →
- gov.ie — Household Benefits Package →
- Citizens Information — social welfare rates Budget 2026 →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the Household Benefits Package?
It's a package of supports from the Department of Social Protection made up of two parts: an electricity or gas allowance, worth about €35 a month, and a free TV licence covering the €160 fee. It helps with the cost of running a household, mainly for older people and people with certain disabilities.
Do I qualify automatically at 70?
Yes. Anyone aged 70 or over qualifies for the Household Benefits Package automatically, with no means test, and without needing to be on a State pension. You still have to apply, but your income isn't assessed. Only one person per household can hold the package, even if more than one person is over 70.
Can I get it if I'm under 70?
Yes, if you're getting a qualifying social welfare payment, such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, the Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance. People aged 66 to 70 who aren't on a qualifying payment can also get it, but they have to pass a means test based on the State Pension rate plus €200.
Do I have to live alone?
No. You don't have to live alone, and the bill doesn't even have to be in your name. You can live with other people, and their income isn't taken into account. The only restriction is that just one person per household can receive the Household Benefits Package at a time.
How is it paid?
The electricity or gas allowance is paid into your bank or post office account, usually on the first Tuesday of each month. The free TV licence element takes effect from your next licence renewal date. You apply through MyWelfare.ie or by completing form HB1, and you need to re-apply if you move address.
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