Everything you need to know about the free electricity allowance

Who is eligible?

The Department of Social Protection has a number of qualifying conditions for eligibility for the Free Electricity Allowance.

What does it cover?

The Department of Social Protection has set the rate for the Free Electricity Allowance at €35.00 per month. For Free Electricity Allowance  customers pre 8th September 2025 - this allowance appears as a credit of €1.15* per day on your Electric Ireland electricity bill.  

How do I claim it?

Existing Free Electricity Allowance customers who already receive the credit on their Electric Ireland account can continue to do so. Free Electricity Allowance will automatically be applied to your prepay account as a daily amount. New Free Electricity Allowance customers will receive payments directly from the Department of Social Protection.  

Please Note: from the 8th September 2025  due to a change in the Department of Social Protection Free Electricity Allowance Policy - the option of Free Electricity Allowance Payments made directly to the utility bill is no longer available. 

Please refer to the Department of Social Protection Website for information on how to apply for the Free Electricity Allowance.