Live Updated 2 November 2026, 10.14pm
Budget 2027 was read in the Dáil on Tuesday 6 October 2026. Below is what changed, with the sources.
| Topic | Where it stands | Status |
|---|---|---|
| The package | Read in the Dáil on Tuesday 6 October by Simon Harris and Jack Chambers. The Government's Budget in Brief puts the tax measures at €1.6 billion and the extra spending at €7.1 billion (€6 billion day to day and €1.1 billion capital). New social welfare measures are worth almost €1.15 billion, the Department of Social Protection says.Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported by RTÉ News, 6 October 2026 | Confirmed |
| State Pension (€299.30 a week now) | Decided: €309.30 a week from January 2027, and €298 for the non-contributory pension. The Taoiseach told the Dáil a pension will be kept for 10 weeks after a death, up from 6, with no start date yet.Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Living Alone Increase (€22 a week now) | Decided: €25 a week in 2027, the first rise in five years. You apply on form LA1, it is not automatic.Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Fuel Allowance (€38 a week now) | Decided: €43 a week from January 2027. The season runs to 9 April 2027. From January the income limit for a single person over 66 rises from €534 to €640.80 a week. There is no extra lump sum on top. If you take the Fuel Allowance as two lump sums, the January one rises from €532 to €602.Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026 and 3 more | Confirmed |
| Home heating oil | Decided: the carbon tax on kerosene and natural gas is cut to €48.50 a tonne from 14 October 2026, and held there for the rest of this Government's term.Financial Resolutions 2027, Department of Finance, 6 October 2026 | Confirmed |
| Energy credit | None. There is no energy credit in any Budget 2027 document.Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026 and 2 more | Confirmed |
| Home energy grants | €654.5 million for SEAI home energy grants in 2027. The €600 battery grant and the wider solar grant opened on 6 October, and the free Warmer Homes Scheme now includes solar panels and a battery.Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, 6 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Cost of disability payment | Decided: a one-off €500, paid between January and March 2027, for people on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Partial Capacity Benefit. People on the State Pension do not get it.Dáil written answer, Minister for Social Protection, 20 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Carer's Allowance | Decided: €280 a week, or €318 at 66 or over, from January 2027. The income disregard rises to €1,150 single and €2,300 couple from July 2027. The home carer tax credit rises by €100 to €2,050.Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026 and 2 more | Confirmed |
| Council home grants | €169 million for 2027, and the grant limits do not change. Six councils show a pause or limit on applications: Kildare, Louth, Offaly, Cavan, Sligo and Monaghan. Donegal's Director of Housing said the council will drop the OT report for grab rails, level-access showers and ramps, but its own pages do not say so yet.Department of Housing press release, 6 October 2026 | Confirmed |
| Drugs Payment Scheme | No change: still €80 a month. Budget 2027 did not change medical card limits or prescription charges.Department of Health press release, 7 October 2026 | Confirmed |
| College costs | Decided: the student contribution is cut by €150 to €2,350. SUSI maintenance grants rise 4.5% from January 2027. From September 2027, a €500 student contribution grant per student for families with two or more in college and income up to €150,000.Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Childcare costs | Decided for September 2027: in Core Funding services, the most a parent pays for 45 hours a week drops from €735 to €550 a month, for children up to senior infants.Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 9 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Child Benefit | No increase: it stays at €140 a month. The payment for each child of a parent on welfare rises by €6, to €64 and €84, from January 2027.Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
| Christmas Bonus | Decided: 100%, paid in the week starting 7 December 2026.Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026 and 1 more | Confirmed |
Budget increases to weekly payments go to people already getting them. Waiting for the Budget before you claim only costs you weeks of money.
Jack Chambers announced in his Budget speech a record €654.5 million in 2027 for SEAI home and community energy upgrade schemes. He said this will pay for more solar panels, better renewable energy and retrofit grants, and a boiler scrappage scheme. New grant amounts were not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Jack Chambers, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: SEAI grants you can apply for now
Jack Chambers said in his Budget speech that the €5.5 billion for the Department of Transport will cover the launch of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme. Who can apply, how much it pays and when it opens were not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Jack Chambers, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: the current scheme for disabled drivers
Simon Harris announced tax changes of €1.65 billion, €150 million more than expected, as extra help with energy prices, RTÉ reports. New spending measures stay at their ceiling of €7 billion, RTÉ says.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported by RTÉ News, 6 October 2026
Simon Harris announced in his Budget speech that the most a first-time buyer can claim under Help to Buy will rise by €5,000 to €35,000. The start date was not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: Help to Buy rules and limits
Simon Harris announced in his Budget speech that the law for a new Derelict Property Tax will be in this year's Finance Bill, at a rate of 7%. If you own a vacant or derelict home, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant may help with the cost of bringing it back into use. The start date was not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: grant for vacant and derelict homes
When a pensioner loses their partner, the payment will be extended from six weeks to ten weeks, RTÉ's political correspondent reported before the speeches, as a measure from Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary. No start date has been given yet. We will mark it confirmed when a minister announces it or it appears in the Budget documents.
Source: RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
The Fuel Allowance means test limit for single people aged over 66 will rise from €534 to €641 a week, RTÉ reports, so more older people will qualify. RTÉ says the change applies only to single people over 66. No start date has been given yet. We will mark it confirmed when a minister announces it or it appears in the Budget documents.
Source: RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Simon Harris announced in his Budget speech that the carbon tax on kerosene and natural gas will be cut to €48.50 a tonne, not €48 as reported this morning. He said the rates had been due to rise to €78.50 by May next year, and the lower rates will stay for the lifetime of this Government. The start date was not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Simon Harris told the Dáil the reduced excise rates on petrol and diesel will stay fully in place until 28 February 2027. After that, excise will go back up in four phases, with the full rate not back until 30 June 2027. The reduced NORA levy is extended to 31 December 2026.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Simon Harris announced a €1.3 billion income tax package in his Budget speech. It confirms this morning's reported changes: the 40% rate starts at €46,500, the main tax credits rise by €125 and the home carer tax credit by €100. The point where the 3% USC rate starts also rises by €1,600, from €28,700 to €30,300.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Households that sell electricity back to the grid, for example from solar panels, will be able to earn €600 a year tax free, up from €400, Simon Harris announced in his Budget speech. The start date was not given in the speech as reported by RTÉ.
Source: Budget speech, Simon Harris, reported on the RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: what the solar panel grant covers
The Living Alone Increase will go up by €3 a week to €25, RTÉ and the Irish Examiner reported this morning. Earlier reports had said €5. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026
The Fuel Allowance will rise by €5 a week, and 460,000 households will benefit, RTÉ reports. The Irish Examiner says the means test will also change for single people over 66, but has not given the detail. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026
The new cost of disability payment will be one lump sum of €500, paid in January 2027, RTÉ reports, and 238,000 people will get it. RTÉ says work will continue on how it is paid in later years. Who qualifies has not been set out yet. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ, 6 October 2026; RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026
Our guide: Disability Allowance, the basics
The weekly income disregard in the Carer's Allowance means test will rise to €1,150 for a single person and €2,300 for a couple, the Irish Examiner reports. RTÉ says it is €1,000 and €2,000 now, and that the home carer tax credit will also rise by €100. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026; RTÉ, 6 October 2026; RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
The carbon tax on home heating oil and gas is expected to be cut to €48 a tonne, from €63.50 now, RTÉ reports. RTÉ and the Irish Examiner also say there will be no more carbon tax rises on kerosene for the rest of this Government's term. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ, 6 October 2026, tax package; RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026
Childcare for children up to senior infants will be capped at €550 a month, which could save families up to €2,200 a year, RTÉ reports. The income limit for free childcare will rise from €34,000, child support payments will rise by €6, and childminders will be able to earn €20,000 a year tax free, up from €15,000. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ, 6 October 2026; RTÉ live blog, 6 October 2026
Our guide: National Childcare Scheme explained
The point where you start paying the 40% rate will rise by €2,500 to €46,500, and the personal, employee and earned income tax credits will rise by €125 to €2,125, RTÉ reports. RTÉ says a single person on €50,000 would be €750 a year better off. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Source: RTÉ, 6 October 2026, tax package
Help to Buy, the tax refund for first-time buyers of a new or self-built home, will rise by €5,000 to €35,000, RTÉ and the Irish Examiner report. The Examiner says a plan to scrap stamp duty for first-time buyers of older homes was dropped. Not official until the Budget is read out this afternoon.
Budget 2027 will include a €150 universal cut in third-level fees, the Irish Examiner reported this morning. Earlier reports focused on €750 off per student for families with two or more in college. The full detail comes this afternoon.
Source: Irish Examiner, 6 October 2026
Our guide: SUSI grant and college costs
There is no energy credit in any Budget 2027 document. Help with heating costs comes through the €5 Fuel Allowance rise and the carbon tax cut on home heating oil and gas.
Source: Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026; Budget statement, Jack Chambers, gov.ie, 6 October 2026; Expenditure Report 2027, Department of Public Expenditure, 9 October 2026
From 1 January 2027 the standard rate band for a single person rises from €44,000 to €46,500, the personal and employee tax credits rise to €2,125, and the home carer credit rises to €2,050, the Department of Finance says. The 3% USC rate starts above €30,300.
Source: Department of Finance, Budget 2027 tax policy changes, 6 October 2026
The Department of Finance says councils will publish the first registers of derelict property on 1 September 2027, and the first tax is due by 23 June 2028. The rate is 7% of the self-assessed value, starting with 107 towns of 4,000 people or more.
Source: Department of Finance, Budget 2027 tax policy changes, 6 October 2026
The Department of Housing says €169 million is allocated to the housing adaptation grant schemes for 2027. The most you can get does not change: up to €40,000 for the Housing Adaptation Grant, €8,000 for the Mobility Aids Grant and €10,700 for Housing Aid for Older People.
The new scheme pays for adaptations so people can get into, out of or drive a vehicle. The Department of Transport says it opens early in 2027, is not means tested, and nobody pays upfront, because approved suppliers are paid directly. It gets €6.5 million in 2027 and does not replace the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme.
Source: Department of Transport press release, 2 October 2026; Expenditure Report 2027, Department of Public Expenditure, 9 October 2026
The Budget Financial Resolutions cut the carbon charge on kerosene from €160.81 to €122.83 per 1,000 litres, and on natural gas, from 14 October 2026. That is €48.50 a tonne of carbon, not the €48 reported on Budget morning.
Source: Financial Resolutions 2027, Department of Finance, 6 October 2026
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment says solar panels and a battery are now offered as standard under the free Warmer Homes Scheme, from 6 October. Citizens Information says panels up to 4 kWp and a battery up to 5 kWh. SEAI's own Warmer Homes page had not listed them yet on 11 October.
Source: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, 6 October 2026; Citizens Information, Warmer Homes Scheme, edited 30 September 2026
Our guide: who qualifies for Warmer Homes
Family Carers Ireland says Budget 2027 falls short for family carers, and that keeping the Carer's Allowance means test was a missed opportunity. It says only 4% of people on Carer's Allowance get Fuel Allowance, so most carers will not see the €5 rise. It wants the Carer Guarantee fully funded, so carers can get information, training and respite.
ALONE says Budget 2027 falls short for older people living alone. It asked for the Living Alone Increase to go up by €15 a week, and it rises by €3. ALONE says up to 80,000 older people living alone are in poverty, and anyone worried about this winter can ring its support line on 0818 222 024, 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Source: ALONE, 6 October 2026
The Minister for Social Protection told the Dáil on 20 October that the €500 lump sum will be paid between January and March 2027 to about 240,000 people on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Partial Capacity Benefit. No exact date has been given. It is only for those working-age payments, so people on the State Pension do not get it, even if they moved over from Disability Allowance at 66.
Source: Dáil written answer, Minister for Social Protection, 20 October 2026; Dáil written answer, Minister for Social Protection, 21 October 2026
The Department of Finance published the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026 on 19 October. From January 2027, councils will identify derelict properties in towns of 4,000 people or more, and owners will have to pay a tax of 7% of the property's value by June 2028 unless they put the property right. The Bill also makes the €35,000 Help to Buy limit law, for new homes bought from 7 October 2026. It still has to pass the Dáil and Seanad.
Source: Department of Finance press release, 19 October 2026
Our guide: grants for doing up a derelict house before the tax
The Finance Bill raises the tax-free limit for renting out a room in your own home from €14,000 to €16,000 a year from 1 January 2027, the Department of Finance says. It also extends the relief to a small modular home of 32 to 45 square metres in your garden, if it was installed after 27 July 2026 and meets the 2026 planning rules. This is a tax rule: if you get a means-tested payment, ask the Department of Social Protection how room rent is counted.
Source: Department of Finance press release, 19 October 2026
Our guide: payments people living alone often miss
If you take your Fuel Allowance as two lump sums, the January 2027 payment will be €602, up from €532, Citizens Information says. Weekly payments go up from €38 to €43 in the week beginning 4 January 2027. This answers how lump-sum takers get the Budget 2027 rise.
Source: Citizens Information, Fuel Allowance, edited 16 October 2026
From January 2027 the Fuel Allowance income limit for a single person aged 66 or over rises from €534 to €640.80 a week, the Department of Social Protection says. Fuel Allowance is one of the payments that lets you apply for the free Warmer Homes Scheme, so more older people living alone may now qualify for both, as Newstalk pointed out on 13 October. You also need to own and live in a home built and occupied before 2006, and Citizens Information says to wait 5 to 6 weeks after your first payment before you apply.
Source: Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, Warmer Homes Scheme, edited 13 October 2026; SEAI, Warmer Homes Scheme eligibility, checked 17 October 2026; Newstalk, 13 October 2026
The Department of Social Protection confirms that core weekly welfare rates rise by €10 from January 2027. The full State Pension (Contributory) goes from €299.30 to €309.30 a week, and the State Pension (Non-Contributory) from €288 to €298.
Source: Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, social welfare rates 2027, edited 7 October 2026
The Department of Social Protection confirms the Living Alone Increase rises from €22 to €25 a week in 2027, the first rise in five years. Earlier reports of €5 were wrong. It is not added automatically: you apply on form LA1.
Source: Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, social welfare rates 2027, edited 7 October 2026
The Department of Social Protection confirms the rise from January 2027, for about 460,000 homes. From January the income limit for a single person aged 66 or over also goes from €534 to €640.80 a week, and Minister Dara Calleary said about 10,000 more people will qualify. There is no lump sum on top.
Source: Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026; Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 7 October 2026
The Department of Social Protection confirms a one-off €500 payment in 2027 for people on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Partial Capacity Benefit, about 240,000 people. It has not said which month. Reports of January or February are not official yet.
Source: Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026; Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026
Carer's Allowance rises to €280 a week, or €318 at 66 or over, from January 2027. From July 2027 the weekly income disregard rises to €1,150 for a single person and €2,300 for a couple, the Department of Social Protection confirms. The €2,000 Carer's Support Grant stays the same.
Source: Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, social welfare rates 2027, edited 7 October 2026; Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026
The payment for each child of a parent on welfare rises to €64 under 12 and €84 for 12 and over from January 2027. Working Family Payment income limits rise by €30 a week. Child Benefit stays at €140 a month, the Department of Social Protection confirms.
Source: Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, updated 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, social welfare rates 2027, edited 7 October 2026
From September 2027, in services in the State Core Funding scheme, the most a parent pays for 45 hours a week for a child up to senior infants drops from €735 to €550 a month, the Department of Children says. The universal subsidy rises from €2.14 to €2.50 an hour, and the €34,000 income threshold for the highest subsidy rises to €38,500.
Source: Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 9 October 2026; Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026
Budget 2027 gives €627,500 to Age Action's Care and Repair scheme, which does small repairs and maintenance jobs so older people can stay safely at home, to open five new service locations, the Department of Health says. It also pays for five more Healthy Age Friendly Homes coordinators, €2 million more for Meals on Wheels and a new €2 million grant scheme for community groups that help older people. The Department has not said where the new locations will be.
Source: Department of Health press release, Minister for Older People Kieran O'Donnell, 9 October 2026
About 1.4 million people on long-term welfare payments, including pensioners and carers, get a 100% Christmas Bonus, the Department of Social Protection confirms. Citizens Information says it is paid in the week starting 7 December 2026.
Source: Department of Social Protection press release, 6 October 2026; Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026
The Department of Housing says €40 million in 2027 will fund over 600 rural water projects and over 4,000 private wells and septic tank systems. The Local Improvement Scheme for private roads gets €17 million in 2027, the Department of Rural and Community Development says.
Source: Department of Housing press release, 6 October 2026; Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, 8 October 2026
Our guide: grants for a new or repaired well
The Taoiseach told the Dáil on 7 October that the period for keeping a deceased person's pension will rise from six weeks to ten. No start date has been given, and it is not yet in the Department of Social Protection's Budget documents.
The student contribution is cut permanently from €2,500 to €2,350, Citizens Information says. SUSI maintenance grants rise by 4.5% from January 2027. From September 2027, families with two or more in college and income up to €150,000 get a €500 student contribution grant for each student, the Department of Further and Higher Education says. Earlier reports of €750 off per student were not what was announced.
Source: Citizens Information, Budget 2027, edited 8 October 2026; Department of Further and Higher Education, 7 October 2026
Revenue says the higher Help to Buy limit of €35,000 applies to applications from 7 October 2026 to 31 December 2029, for new homes. The €500,000 price cap is unchanged.
Source: Revenue, Help to Buy, how much you can claim; Department of Finance, Budget 2027 tax policy changes, 6 October 2026
The Department of Health says Budget 2027 funds 1.8 million more home support hours next year, and 500 more people on the Fair Deal nursing home scheme. Medical card limits, prescription charges and the €80 Drugs Payment Scheme threshold do not change.
Source: Department of Health press release, 7 October 2026
Our guide: how to ask the HSE for home support
The Government looks set to agree a €10 rise in the State Pension and core welfare payments, moving on from an earlier plan for €7.50, RTÉ reported on 3 October. The Irish Examiner says pension and other welfare rates will go up by €10 a week, though this was still being negotiated on Sunday evening, and the Irish Times also expects €10. That would take the full contributory pension to €309.30 a week, but it is not official until Budget day.
Source: RTÉ, 3 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 5 October 2026; Irish Times, 5 October 2026
A €5 a week rise in the Fuel Allowance has been agreed, rather than a lump sum, the Irish Examiner reported on 5 October. That would take it from €38 to €43 a week, and the Irish Times also expects the €5 rise. RTÉ reported on 4 October that a €300 one-off payment to people on the Fuel Allowance was possible as well, so the full package will not be known until Budget day.
Source: Irish Examiner, 5 October 2026; Irish Times, 5 October 2026; RTÉ, 4 October 2026
The new cost of disability payment will be one lump sum of €500, not a monthly payment, the Irish Examiner reported on 5 October. The Irish Times also says a €500 payment is understood to be agreed, and RTÉ reported on 3 October that more than €400 a year had been largely agreed. Who qualifies has not been confirmed, and it is not official until Budget day.
Source: Irish Examiner, 5 October 2026; Irish Times, 5 October 2026; RTÉ, 3 October 2026
Families with two or more children in college and a household income under €120,000 would get €750 off the student contribution for each student, through SUSI, the Irish Examiner reported on 5 October. Families on €120,000 to €150,000 would get a new €500 grant per student, and SUSI maintenance grants would rise by 4.5%. A general cut in the €2,500 fee now looks unlikely, RTÉ and the Irish Times report.
Source: Irish Examiner, 5 October 2026; RTÉ, 5 October 2026; Irish Times, 4 October 2026
Full-time childcare for children up to senior infants looks set to cost at least €1,000 a year less per child, RTÉ reports, through a higher National Childcare Scheme subsidy and a lower cap on fees. The new rates would start in September 2027. The Irish Times says the most that creches and after-school services can charge is also due to be cut.
The excise cuts on petrol and diesel will continue for the rest of the year and are not expected to be reversed until at least February, the Irish Examiner reports. RTÉ also reports the cuts are set to be extended to next spring. Not official until Budget day.
Welfare recipients and pensioners can expect a Christmas Bonus this year, the Taoiseach said on 3 October, the Irish Times and the Irish Examiner report. He said it is done every year and the Government is in a position to do it this year. It is not official until Budget day, and no payment dates have been given.
Source: Irish Times, 3 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 3 October 2026
Our guide: what older people should watch on Budget day
Stopping carbon tax increases on home heating oil for the rest of this Government's term is the 'direction of travel', the Taoiseach said on 3 October, the Irish Times and the Irish Examiner report. RTÉ says the same approach is being considered for gas, and that a VAT cut on gas is possible. Not official until Budget day.
Source: Irish Times, 3 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 3 October 2026; RTÉ, 3 October 2026
The Taoiseach stopped short of ruling out an energy credit in the Budget, RTÉ reports. He said it had not been discussed in the talks so far, but he could not anticipate what might be put forward at the 11th hour. On 28 September RTÉ reported that he had ruled out a credit for every home.
A €10 increase in pension and welfare rates is among the few Budget measures already agreed between ministers, the Irish Times reports. That would take the full contributory State Pension from €299.30 to €309.30 a week. The Irish Examiner reported on 1 October that officials were told to plan for €8 to €10 across all payments, and the Taoiseach told the Dáil on 30 September that reports of only €7.50 "may not be accurate at all". Many welfare figures will not be final until Sunday or Monday, so this is not official until Budget day.
Source: Irish Times, 3 October 2026; Irish Examiner, 1 October 2026; TheJournal, 30 September 2026
Families with more than one child in college are set to get a €500 grant towards the cost of college fees, after changes to the income limits were agreed, the Irish Times reports. A general cut in fees is still possible but unlikely, it says. Not official until Budget day.
Source: Irish Times, 3 October 2026
A permanent €5 rise in the weekly Fuel Allowance and a one-off lump sum are both on the table, but a senior figure told the Irish Times that only one would be approved. Sources mentioned a lump sum of €300 to €400, the Irish Times reported on 3 October. TheJournal says there will be an expansion of the Fuel Allowance aimed at older people. Not decided.
Source: Irish Times, 2 October 2026; Irish Times, 3 October 2026; TheJournal, 3 October 2026
The new cost of disability payment is now expected to be one lump sum of between €400 and €500, paid early in the new year, the Irish Examiner reports, after the coalition leaders met the Social Protection and Public Expenditure ministers. The Irish Times also puts it at around €400 to €500 a year. Earlier reports said €40 to €50 a month. Who qualifies has not been confirmed.
Source: Irish Examiner, 1 October 2026; Irish Times, 3 October 2026
A rise in the income limit for Carer's Allowance is under consideration, the Irish Examiner reports, but it may not be as big as last year's, when the income disregard had its largest ever increase. Not decided.
Source: Irish Examiner, 1 October 2026
The maximum income limits for social housing, which range from €30,000 to €40,000 for a single person depending on the council, will be raised, the Taoiseach made clear at a private Fianna Fáil meeting, the Irish Examiner reports. No new figures yet.
Source: Irish Examiner, 1 October 2026
The Government will cut the carbon tax on home heating oil to the lowest level it can without having to compensate the EU, the Taoiseach told a private meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs, the Irish Examiner reports, citing several sources. The size of the cut is not known. Not official until Budget day.
The Government approved a new boiler scrappage grant today, RTÉ reports. It pays €2,000 towards swapping a fossil fuel heating system, like an oil boiler, for a heat pump or other renewable heating, in homes built before 2021. That is on top of the SEAI heat pump grant of up to €12,500, so up to €14,500 in total. Correction, 5 October: SEAI's heat pump page now includes the €2,000, and the Department says it is effective immediately for eligible applicants. People with a heat pump application already in get it added automatically.
Source: RTÉ, 29 September 2026; gov.ie, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, 29 September 2026
A new €600 grant for a home battery was approved today, RTÉ reports. It is the first time the State has paid towards a battery on its own. The SEAI solar panel grant of up to €1,800, and the solar water heating grant, will open to homes built and lived in before 2025. Up to now the cut-off was 2021. Both are due to open from 6 October, subject to the final arrangements, RTÉ reports.
Source: RTÉ, 29 September 2026
The Taoiseach has ruled out the return of universal energy payments, RTÉ reports. Opposition parties are pushing for targeted credits, and Sinn Féin wants a €400 credit, which RTÉ says the Government is unlikely to agree to. This changes the picture from 19 September, when a one-off credit was back in favour with several ministers.
The new cost of disability payment is expected to be around €40 or €50 a month in its first year, and about 200,000 people who get State disability supports could qualify, the Irish Examiner reports. RTÉ reports it will be in the Budget, but its value and who qualifies still need to be confirmed.
Source: Irish Examiner, 28 September 2026; RTÉ, 28 September 2026
The Living Alone Increase could go up by €5 a week in the Budget, the Irish Examiner reports. It is €22 a week now.
The Christmas Bonus will again be paid this year, the Irish Examiner reports. It is not official yet, and no payment dates have been given.
RTÉ reports a likely €5 rise in the Fuel Allowance and a possible extension of the season into spring next year. Government sources have also talked about a potential bonus Fuel Allowance week.
RTÉ reports the Government is considering a €7.50 rise in the State Pension, which would take the non-contributory pension to €295.50 a week, or €305.50 at 80 and over. The Irish Examiner says all welfare payments are expected to rise by at least €7.50, and possibly by up to €10. No final decision has been made.
Source: RTÉ, 26 September 2026; Irish Examiner, 28 September 2026
A Department of Social Protection source told the Irish Times that a permanent cost of disability payment will come in with the Budget. It will not be weekly, and is likely to be paid as one or more lump sums over the year. The source said it will not meet the cost of disability, and RTÉ reports that the amount and who qualifies are still being worked out.
Source: Irish Times, 25 September 2026; RTÉ, 24 September 2026
An increase in the Fuel Allowance is almost certain to be in the Budget, a Department of Social Protection source told the Irish Times. RTÉ understands a €5 rise, from €38 to €43 a week, is on the cards. The 2026/27 season starts on Monday 28 September.
Source: Irish Times, 25 September 2026; RTÉ, updated 24 September 2026
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers told RTÉ radio that a continued lower rate of carbon tax on home heating oil is an absolute consideration for the Budget, the Irish Times reports. The Tánaiste told the Dáil there is a limit to what can be done on carbon tax without running into EU rules, the Irish Examiner reports. RTÉ puts 1,000 litres of heating oil at over €1,600 now, against about €900 last year.
Source: Irish Times, 25 September 2026; Irish Examiner, 24 September 2026; RTÉ, 26 September 2026
The Irish Times reports that households putting in solar panels would get an extra €600 grant for a storage battery, on top of the SEAI solar grant of up to €1,800. Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien says he will ask Cabinet to approve a battery grant on Tuesday 29 September. RTÉ also reports the €600 grant is expected.
Source: Irish Times, 25 September 2026; RTÉ, 23 September 2026; RTÉ, 26 September 2026
An increase in child support, paid with a welfare payment for each child, is expected, the Irish Times reports, and it may rise more for children under five. An increase is also expected in how much lone parents can earn and keep their full One-Parent Family Payment. A second tier of Child Benefit will not be announced this year, sources said.
Source: Irish Times, 25 September 2026
Ministers are considering a boost to the Living Alone Increase because of higher energy bills, Minister of State Seán Canney told the Irish Examiner. He would not say how much, as measures are still being costed. It is €22 a week now.
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the Dáil that certainty on excise for the winter is something the Government can do and will do, RTÉ reports. RTÉ says the Government is poised to extend the cuts, 32 cent a litre on diesel and 27 cent on petrol, until late February or early March. They had been due to start unwinding from 1 November.
Source: RTÉ, 24 September 2026
Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien says he will ask Cabinet on Tuesday 29 September to approve a €2,000 grant to scrap oil and kerosene boilers, RTÉ reports. It would top up the heat pump grant of up to €12,500, for boilers near the end of their life. If approved, it would start in January 2027.
Source: RTÉ, 23 September 2026; Irish Times, 24 September 2026
Seán Canney, the de facto leader of the Independents in Government, has flagged progress towards abolishing the means test for Carer's Allowance, the Irish Times reports. Sources say no final decisions have been made on anything in the Budget yet.
Source: Irish Times, 22 September 2026
The Disability Federation of Ireland is urging the Government to bring in the cost of disability payment in this Budget, the Irish Examiner reports. It wants a permanent weekly payment based on need, and estimates the extra cost of living with a disability at €488 to €555 a week.
The cuts to excise on petrol and diesel are due to be unwound from 1 November, and RTÉ reports that they are now expected to be extended in the Budget. The cut costs the State about €100m a month.
Source: RTÉ, 20 September 2026
Senior Coalition figures have confirmed the Government will move to cut the cost of home heating oil, RTÉ reports. The Tánaiste and the Minister for Enterprise have both pointed to a cut in the carbon tax on kerosene rather than a VAT cut. CSO figures last week put home heating oil up 44% over 12 months.
Source: RTÉ, 20 September 2026
RTÉ reports that a rise similar to last year's €10 on core social welfare payments is perhaps likely, and that the rates will not be settled until the last minute. The Coalition is said to be conscious of claims that pensioners went cold while energy companies made large profits.
Source: RTÉ, 20 September 2026
Government sources accept a cut in tax on home heating oil as inevitable, the Irish Times reports. Officials warn that in the worst case a tank could cost €1,900 this winter, against €900 last year.
Source: Irish Times, 19 September 2026
A return of one-off energy credits, in some form, is now favoured by a number of Cabinet ministers, the Irish Times reports. No decision has been made. On 7 September the Taoiseach said he could not see the capacity for credits for everybody.
Source: Irish Times, 19 September 2026
Tánaiste Simon Harris is looking at increases to the Fuel Allowance that would reach a quarter of households, the Irish Times reports. It is €38 a week now. Budget increases are paid to people already getting it, so there is no reason to wait.
Source: Irish Times, 19 September 2026
The Fuel Allowance, paid to 470,000 households, looks set to go up by €5 a week to €43, the Irish Times reports. It is €38 a week now. Nothing is decided until Budget day.
Source: Irish Times, 16 September 2026
The Irish Times finds it hard to see the main weekly rates rising by less than last year's €10. The Irish Examiner reported on 8 September that the Social Protection Minister had dampened expectations of another €10 rise. The State Pension (Contributory) is €299.30 a week now.
Source: Irish Times, 16 September 2026; Irish Examiner, 8 September 2026
The Irish Times reports that promises on child poverty are likely to mean higher child support payments, the amounts paid with a welfare payment for each child, and possibly a wider Working Family Payment for lower income families.
Source: Irish Times, 16 September 2026
The point where the 40% rate of income tax starts is set to rise from €44,000 to at least €46,000, the Irish Examiner reports. A move to €46,000 is worth €400 a year to people paying the higher rate.
The Taoiseach says the Government is pushing very strongly to include a first cost of disability payment in this Budget. No amount has been given, and on 19 September he said it will be challenging to bring in.
Source: TheJournal.ie, 14 September 2026; Irish Times, 19 September 2026
People with big monthly medicine bills are unlikely to see the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold come down, the Irish Examiner reports. A shingles vaccine programme is expected to be funded.
Source: Irish Examiner, 11 September 2026
Our guide: who can get a medical card
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary says pensioners living on their own will be his focus in this Budget. That points to the Living Alone Increase, which is €22 a week now. No figure has been given.
Source: Irish Examiner, 8 September 2026
An increase to Child Benefit is all but ruled out for this Budget, the Irish Examiner reports.
Source: Irish Examiner, 8 September 2026
Micheál Martin said he cannot see the capacity for energy credits for every household in this Budget.
Source: RTÉ, 7 September 2026
ALONE wants at least €15 a week more on the Living Alone Increase and €15 a week more on the State Pension, at least €10 a week more on the Fuel Allowance with the season back to 32 weeks, and €15 a month more on the Household Benefits Package. Age Action wants the pension up €20 a week.
The Government has set a package of €8.5 billion: €7 billion of extra spending and €1.5 billion of tax measures. The Budget will be read on Tuesday 6 October.
Source: gov.ie, Summer Economic Statement, 22 July 2026; RTÉ, 1 April 2026
Family Carers Ireland is asking for the Carer's Allowance means test to be abolished in full, and for a new Family Carer Payment.
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