Thousands of homeowners could benefit from a once-off double energy bill in the form of a €35-a-month Household Benefits Package as part of a range of cost of living measures, after inflation reached record levels in recent months.
The Household Benefits Package is paid to 484,000 people and includes a free television licence along with €35 a month towards a recipient’s gas or electricity bill, reports the Irish Independent. Currently, the package is paid to everyone in the country aged over 70 but it can only be claimed by one person per household.
In addition, the payment is also available to anyone aged between 66 and 70 who is in receipt of the state pension or the widow/widowers/surviving partner pension. Anyone under the age of 66 on a carer's allowance or disability allowance are also eligible to receive the payment.
Read more: Thousands could receive double child benefit payment of €280 as part of cost of living package
The payment is €35 per month to those who can avail of it and those in receipt of the benefit are also entitled to a free TV licence. In 2021, the Household Benefits Package was paid to some 484,000 people while the Fuel Allowance was paid to 375,000 recipients.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath is developing a cost-of-living package which will be announced on Budget day and will come into effect before the end of the year. Meanwhile, thousands of parents could also receive a once-off double child benefit payment of €280 in the coming months.
The move would be a huge boost to parents, who would be in line for a €280 one-off payment if they have one child or €560 if they have two. Meanwhile, a family with three children is eligible to receive €840 if the Government agrees to the policy.
Other plans also being discussed by Minister Donohoe and Minister McGrath include a double payment of all welfare rates in the coming weeks along with a re-introduction of the €200 electricity credit. Changes to the current tax brackets could also come into effect in next month's Budget, and over one million taxpayers could have an extra €1,000 in their pocket next year if the Government decide to introduce a third tax band for middle-income earners.
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