Key cost-of-living adjustments are set to affect Irish families in September, including welfare payments, utility costs and postal services. From energy bills to school supports, several measures will directly impact monthly budgets.
Irish households will see changes to four key areas in the coming weeks, as part of ongoing cost-of-living adjustments. These include revised social welfare supports, an increase in postal fees, the return of the Fuel Allowance scheme, and a hike in energy tariffs for tens of thousands of customers.
The changes are part of routine annual adjustments but come at a time when household finances remain under strain. While some supports will help families with children or heating costs, others will raise the cost of everyday services, such as parcel deliveries and electricity bills.
School and Heating Supports to Begin in September
Two government supports will either resume or be issued in September to assist households facing increased expenses. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) reopened in June, with some families automatically qualifying and receiving notifications via MyWelfare accounts or by post.
According to the Department of Social Protection (DSP), those not contacted must apply online, even if they received the allowance last year. Payments began during the week of 14 July. Children aged between four and eleven on 30 September may qualify for a €160 payment, while those aged between 12 and 22 may receive €285, according to the DSP.
Meanwhile, the Fuel Allowance scheme is set to resume from the week beginning Monday, 22 September 2025. This payment, which helps cover heating costs during colder months, will be provided to eligible households either as weekly payments of €33 for 28 weeks or in two lump sums totalling €924. The allowance is limited to one payment per household.
These measures aim to mitigate seasonal and educational expenses for low- and middle-income families as autumn approaches.
Service Fees and Energy Prices to Rise
While some measures offer relief, other changes will increase household costs. The state-owned postal provider An Post has confirmed a price increase in its AddressPal service. From 5 September, the customs administration fee for items delivered from the UK and US will rise from €4.95 to €5.95. An Post attributes this increase to higher customs charges on non-EU items. In addition, users must now update their US delivery address, as the previous one is no longer in operation.
Separately, Flogas Energy has announced a 7% increase in both its unit electricity rate and daily standing charge from 25 August. According to the company, the average variable-rate customer will see their annual bill increase by €126. Fixed tariff customers will not be affected. Flogas cited a 21% rise in network charges introduced in October 2024, with further increases expected in October 2025. The company has encouraged financially affected customers to reach out for support via payment plans or pre-payment options.
