Budget 2026 is just around the corner, and households across Ireland are anxiously waiting to see whether support measures will return to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Last year’s Budget delivered a €1.2 billion social welfare package, including one off lump sums ranging from €100 to €400, double payments such as the Christmas bonus and increases to weekly welfare rates. As well as that, every household in Ireland received €250 off electricity bills in two €125 instalments – a relief many are hoping to see repeated this year, particularly as a number of companies have recently announced price hikes.

However, recent announcements suggest that may not happen. Government ministers have now put to rest rumours of a new €80 energy credit, warning households not to expect the kind of “giveaway” seen in previous years. This year’s €9.4 billion Budget is set to focus on long term priorities such as housing, infrastructure and core social supports, with €1.5 billion earmarked for tax cuts and €7.9 billion in spending.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers admitted he could not yet say how much families would benefit compared to last year’s estimated €1,000 per household, saying: “A lot of our focus will be through the social protection system and investment in public services and how we improve the day to day experience of families. The nature of the tax package will be a little different this year.”

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe was more direct, stating that the Government “will not repeat” last year’s bonus payments and welfare hikes. That means measures such as cost of living lump sums, double welfare payments and the two €125 energy credits are unlikely to return.

Households could see a modest boost of around €46 on gas and electricity bills as Ministers have hinted at extending the lower VAT rate on energy bills for another year – potentially saving around €20 on gas and €26 on electricity.

Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed that while the lower VAT rate on gas and electricity will continue, no additional universal energy credits will be introduced.

He said: “That level of one-off payments is very significant and the more you put into that, the less that you can put into medium and long-term sustainable measures to change our energy system and to ensure that we have secure and affordable energy and green and clean energy too. There won’t be any energy credits in the budget but we are looking at other measures targeted at those who need them most.”

Speaking on RTE, Minister Chambers dismissed speculation about a new €80 energy credit, stating: “I don’t expect them to be part of Budget 2026.”

Opposition parties have slammed the move, warning of “sky-high bills” for households. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called for three €150 energy credits in the upcoming Budget, saying: “It’s scandalous that they will withdraw the energy credits that so many households rely on and say ‘tough! You’re on your own’.”

The full details of Budget 2026 will be revealed when Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers officially present the financial package on Tuesday, 7 October.

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