Details on expansion of fuel allowance for Laois families announced

An additional 1,000 families in Laois have been included in the fuel allowance payment following an announcement by the government. 

The fuel allowance payment has been extended to include Working Family Payment recipients meaning an extra 1,026 families in Laois are now eligible. The newly eligible families will receive backdated payments of up to €380 on Thursday, March 12, together with their weekly Working Family Payment.

The expansion was announced by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD who revealed that an additional 50,000 families will receive payments nationally. From January 2026, the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance was increased by €5 a week to €38, giving a total per recipient of €1,064 each year.

The announcement comes as home heating oil prices have soared following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there is a “degree” of price gouging by fuel companies following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Mr Martin said both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) should carefully monitor developments.

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Commenting on the Fuel Allowance expansion, Minister Calleary said: "This means that hardworking families across the country on lower incomes will receive additional help with their energy bills. I am delighted to have introduced this important expansion as part of my first budget.

“The Fuel Allowance plays a vital role in supporting families with their heating costs over the winter months. The expansion I am announcing today means there are over 470,000 households now receiving this valuable support.

“This is a targeted, practical intervention that will help working families manage energy costs and reduce financial pressure during the winter months, and it reflects a broader commitment: to ensure that work is rewarded, that families are supported, and that no child grows up in poverty.”