New Energy Credit and Double Child Benefit Payment? Ineligible candidates will be excluded

New energy credit and double child benefit payment due in first week of December. The first energy credit will be applicable on December 1. The one-off payments will cost €1.2 billion in total.

The new provision in the legislation would identify homes that are unoccupied, have very little or no electricity use and be ineligible for credits. If credits are temporarily withheld and a customer is eligible for credit, they can contact their supplier, who will review the decision and ensure credits are applied.

The first energy credit promised by the government in Budget 2024 will be applied to people's bills on December 1 this year. As announced during the budget week, the cabinet approved the legislation establishing the latest electricity cost emergency benefit scheme.

The maximum payment of credits is €150 each time, for a total of €450. These payments will apply to people's bills on December 1, January 1 and March 1. For some, it may take longer to see the credit reduce their bill due to electricity's two-month bill cycle. People don't need to apply for credits - they are automatically applied.

There may also be accommodation where electricity is paid for by 'sub-meters' eligible for credit through the sub-meter support scheme. The scheme will ensure the same support to the residents of such houses as households with regular electricity meters.

Meanwhile, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys briefed Cabinet on the timetable for delivering the nine cost-of-living payments set out in the 2024 Budget.

A working family payment of €400 is payable in the week commencing 20 November. This payment will benefit 46,500 families with 98,000 children. In the same week, 214,000 disabled people will receive a €400 disability assistance grant and a €300 fuel allowance.

The second batch of lump sum payments will be paid in the week starting November 27 and will include a €400 Carers Support Grant and €200 for people on Living Alone Allowance. In the same week, 370,000 children will receive a qualified child benefit of €100.

During the week commencing 4 December, Christmas bonus benefits and doubled Child Benefit will be paid. The last amount payable will be the January bonus for the week commencing 29th January.

It is very important for people to stay warm and cozy this winter. People should not go without heat or electricity and we urge people to contact their energy supply companies and know that support is available if they are having difficulties paying their bills. Environment Minister Eamonn Ryan said.