The fuel allowance scheme is being extended for four weeks.
It will continue to run from April 10th through to May 8th in response to the coronavirus emergency.
The €24.50 per week means-tested allowance is typically available from October to April each year, and had been due to end on April 10th.
Around 370,000 households receive the payment.
Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty said it's vital that "older and more vulnerable groups are as comfortable as possible" during the current crisis, as everyone is being asked to stay at home.
She said: “The COVID emergency presents a once in a century challenge to our society and our public services and we are determined that our Department does everything we can to meet emerging needs and provide comfort to as many as possible.
"At a time where we wish people to stay at home to stay safe, it makes perfect sense to extend the Fuel Season for existing eligible customers on a once-off basis by four weeks, to 8th May 2020, in order to ensure the most vulnerable groups are provided with additional targeted financial supports in a timely and efficient manner.”
She added that she hopes the current extension means "one less thing to worry about" for those who receive the payment, and that they'll now be able to stay safe and warm in their homes while the current restrictions are in place.
