Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
41. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify, if a household benefits package is backdated; the way in which the TV licence aspect of it is paid to An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45429/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package comprises of an electricity or gas allowance, and a Free Television Licence. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to people under the age of 66, who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments.
The majority of those who qualify for Household Benefits Package do so as a result of being awarded a primary qualifying payment. Notification of possible entitlement to the Household Benefits Package is included in the letter of award of the qualifying primary payment sent to the customer. It is up to the customer to then make their application by completing the application form available to download from gov.ie or at any post office, or by applying online at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Household Benefits Package applications can be backdated for up to 6 months where an entitlement existed, and further where there are extenuating circumstances.
Payment for the Free Television Licence is made by way of a fixed monthly payment paid directly to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and is based on the average number of Free Television Licence recipients per month in the previous year.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
