The Household Budget Scheme is a scheme that helps those getting certain social welfare payments in Ireland to spread the cost of some household bills over the year. Under this scheme, a fixed amount is deducted from your social welfare payment each week.
The scheme is operated by An Post and in order to qualify, you must be getting a certain social welfare payment and your payment must be paid through your local post office. The Household Budget Scheme is free of charge.
To qualify for the Household Budget Scheme you must be getting one of the following social welfare payments:
There is a limited number of bills you can pay using the Household Budget Scheme, they are as follows:
Only the above service providers are part of the Scheme. If your service provider is not listed above, you cannot pay them under the Household Budget Scheme.
Also note, unless you are getting one of the social welfare payments above, you cannot apply for the Household Budget Scheme.
You can opt to cover the full amount of the bill. You cannot however have more than 25% of your total weekly social welfare payment deducted under this scheme. There is a minimum amount that must be deducted each week for each bill to be paid under the Household Budget Scheme. The deduction from your payment will be passed on to pay your bill within 4 days of you getting your payment at the post office.
Yes. To make changes to current deductions, you must complete a new Household Budget Instruction Form and send it to the address below.
To cancel a deduction you must give 2 weeks written notice to An Post (see
address below). Remember to give your name, address, PPS number and details of the
deductions you want to cancel, including the account number.
To open an account under the Household Budget Scheme complete a Household Budget Deduction Instruction Form for each bill you want to make a weekly payment towards. Send your completed form marked 'Freepost' (you do not need a stamp) to the address below. Forms are also available in your local Post Office.
It will take about 28 days to process your request to have deductions made from your social welfare payment.
Further questions about the Household Budget Scheme is available from An Post at the address below.