Free Benefits for Over-60s in Ireland: Your Checklist

Thousands of people in Ireland over 60 are missing out on benefits they are fully entitled to. Some have never heard of them. Others assume they will not qualify. A few applied years ago and were turned down, not realising the rules have since changed. 💚

This guide covers the main benefits available to people in their 60s and 70s in Ireland, what each one gives you, and how to check whether you qualify.

1. The Household Benefits Package

The Household Benefits Package is one of the most valuable benefits for older people in Ireland and one of the most underclaimed. It covers three things:

• A monthly electricity or gas allowance, credited directly to your bill
• A free television licence each year
• A subsidy towards the cost of a broadband connection

You qualify automatically at age 70 if you are living in Ireland. If you are between 66 and 70, you may also qualify depending on your circumstances, for example if you live alone, are caring for someone, or are receiving certain social welfare payments.

Simple action: Check your eligibility and apply through Citizens Information or call 0818 07 4000. Applications are free and straightforward.

2. Free Travel Pass

The Free Travel Pass lets you travel for free on public transport across Ireland, including buses, trains, and the Luas. It is available to everyone aged 66 and over who is living in Ireland, regardless of income or savings.

The pass also works on cross-border routes to Northern Ireland in most cases, and a companion pass is available if you need someone to travel with you for safety or health reasons.

💡 Tip: If you have a spouse or partner under 66 who regularly travels with you, ask about the Companion Free Travel Pass when you apply. It allows one named person to travel with you at no charge on the same journey.

Simple action: Apply online at MyWelfare.ie or at your local Intreo Centre. You will need your PPS number and proof of age.

3. Medical Card and GP Visit Card

The Medical Card covers the cost of GP visits, prescribed medicines, dental treatment, optical services, and hospital care. It is means-tested, but the income thresholds for people aged 70 and over are significantly higher than for younger adults, meaning many people in this age group qualify who would not have done so earlier in life.

If your income is above the Medical Card threshold, you may still qualify for a GP Visit Card, which covers the cost of GP visits only. This is also means-tested, with higher thresholds again.

Example: A single person aged 70 or over can have a weekly income above the standard Medical Card limit and still qualify, because the over-70 assessment is calculated differently. It is worth applying even if you have been turned down before.

Check the current income thresholds at Citizens Information before assuming you are ineligible.

4. Fuel Allowance

The Fuel Allowance is a weekly payment made over 28 weeks each winter to help with heating costs. It is available to people aged 70 and over who satisfy a means test, and to people aged 66 to 70 who are on certain social welfare payments.

The payment goes directly to you and can be used for any fuel, including oil, gas, or electricity. You do not need to be on a low income to qualify, but your household income must be within a certain limit above your social welfare payment.

💡 Tip: The Fuel Allowance is not applied for automatically. Many people who qualify simply never claim it. If you are over 70 and not receiving it, contact the Department of Social Protection to check your eligibility.

Simple action: Apply using form NFS1, available from your local post office or Intreo Centre, or call 0818 07 4000 for help.

5. Other benefits worth checking

Several smaller benefits are also worth a look, depending on your situation:

• Living Alone Increase: A weekly top-up payment if you live alone and are receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, including the State Pension. It is paid automatically once you are on the right payment and your circumstances are recorded, but if you moved into your own home after claiming your pension, you may need to notify the Department.
• Telephone Support Allowance: A small weekly payment for people who hold a Medical Card and a Living Alone Increase. It is designed to help cover the cost of staying connected.
• Carer's Support Grant: If you are providing full-time care for someone, you may be entitled to an annual grant regardless of your income. It is available to carers of any age.

Each of these can be checked through Citizens Information or by calling 0818 07 4000.

You have paid into the system for decades. These benefits exist to make a practical difference to your life now, and most of them take less than an hour to apply for. If you are unsure where to start, Citizens Information can walk you through everything in one call. 💛

Start by calling Citizens Information on 0818 07 4000 or visiting citizensinformation.ie to check what you are entitled to today. For more guides on making the most of your money, explore Una's guides or sign up to our newsletter.