Cost of living issues

This page has advice on some of the supports that are available and information about how you can manage your money.

Additional Needs Payments are paid to people who have essential and exceptional needs that they cannot meet out of their weekly income. It can be paid for funeral costs and fuel bills. You must have a low income.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid each year to families on certain social welfare payments and other benefits. The scheme helps families with the cost of sending children back to school.

Working Family Payment is a weekly tax-free payment to people on low pay. You must have at least one child to qualify.

Help with understanding your electricity bill and advice if you are worried about paying your bill.

Help with understanding your gas bill and advice if you are worried about paying your bill.

The medical card scheme entitles certain people to free public health services. This document explains the medical card and how to apply for it.

This scheme provides grants to help to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home to a BER rating of B2 or above.

This scheme provides free home energy upgrades to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments.

The Household Benefits Package helps you with the costs of running your household. It includes electricity and gas allowances and a Free Television Licence. It is paid to people over 70 and to people under 70 in some circumstances.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support provided by local authorities. Under the scheme, rent is paid directly to private landlords and you pay a weekly contribution to your local authority.

Information on other financial supports for students in further and higher education.