It can be paid weekly or in two lump sums.

A social welfare payment that runs from September to April every year, will return in less than two weeks.

The Fuel Allowance is paid in either 28 weekly instalments of €33 or two lump sum payments of €462, amounting to €924 in total.

Once the scheme returns, it will run for 28 weeks until 4 April 2025.

For those opting into the lump sums, the first payment will be in September and the second in January.

Date of fuel allowance confirmed as €924 payment set to return

To get the fuel allowance, one must reach the following criteria:

• Live alone.
• Be getting a qualifying payment (unless you are 70 or over).
• Satisfy a means test.
• Live in Ireland.

In some cases, you may not live alone to avail of the payment. You can still be eligible if you live with:

• A spouse, civil partner or cohabitant who qualifies for an increase on your pension or social welfare payment or is getting a qualifying payment in their own right.
• Dependent children.
• A person who is getting Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit and is caring for you or for your spouse, partner or cohabitant or qualified child dependant on a full-time basis.
• A person getting short-term Jobseeker's Allowance or basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
• Other people who are getting a qualifying payment and who would be eligible for a Fuel Allowance in their own right.
• A person aged 70 or over.

With the upcoming Budget 2025 set to be announced next month, Irish families may also be able to avail of a new 'baby boost' payment.

Discussions are underway among government ministers about potential new measures to support Irish families amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The 'baby boost' payment for new parents is aimed at easing the financial strain that often accompanies the arrival of a newborn.

The Green Party has been advocating for this measure, which would see new parents receive a special Child Benefit payment of €560 during the first month after their child is born.