What is the Household Benefits Package?
The Household Benefits Package is made up of €35 per month off your electricity or gas bills and a free TV Licence from your next renewal date.
Who can apply?
If you receive a Carer’s Allowance, you are automatically entitled to the Package. Double-check that you are getting this package, and if not, just send off the application form as soon as possible.
Due to legislation changes in 2021, if your child is receiving Disability Allowance and nobody in the household is claiming the Benefit, then your child can be awarded the package irrespective of how much the parents earn.
How do you apply?
Ideally, your child would complete the form, but if they are unable, a parent can complete it on behalf of their child. Part 1 should be completed with your child’s information. If your child cannot sign the end of the form, place a mark on the signature part and write a cover letter to explain.
Question 14 will ask if your child is living alone and you will tick NO. You then need to complete the following section with information about the people living in the household. It asks for salary information on the form, but again this will not affect your child’s application.
The Department will award the Household Benefits Package because your child has Disability Allowance.
How to complete Part 2 Household Benefits Package?
You have four options; you need to tick one that suits you and includes the free TV License.
If your energy supplier is Electric Ireland for electricity or Bord Gáis or Flo Gas for gas, the Allowance can be paid directly to your energy supplier as a credit against your monthly bill. Your child’s name must be on the bill before the allowance can be credited to your bill. You must ring your supplier and add your child’s name to the bill. However, this can be tricky if they are under the age of 21.
If you encounter problems, you can request that the credit be sent to your child’s special needs bank account.
How to complete Part 3 Household Benefits Package
I recommend putting your child’s special needs bank account details here. This will allow the credit to be paid to their account each month.
Once completed, you should send the form to the Household Benefits Section, Department of Social Protection, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384. If you have more questions, you can ring the Department at (071) 915 7100.
What happens if you don’t use up your gas or electricity allowance?
If you don’t use all your monthly Allowance, you carry it forward to your next bill. You can also carry it forward if you switch to a different energy provider, but you will have to contact your previous provider for a refund.
Can my child on Domiciliary Care Allowance be granted the Household Benefits Package?
Unfortunately, only children over the age of 16 and in receipt of Disability Allowance can get awarded the Package. Or as mentioned above a parent on Carer’s Allowance.
Can you get fuel allowance and Household Benefits Package?
Yes, if you currently qualify for the Fuel Allowance, you can also apply for the Household Benefits Package. The means-tested Fuel Allowance helps people on certain social welfare with the cost of heating their homes during winter. Click here more information on the Fuel Allowance
Where can I get the form?
You can apply through mywelfare.ie or download the form Household Benefits Package form by clicking on this link https://www.gov.ie/en/form/aa538-household-benefits-package-application-form-hb1/