Calls to St Vincent de Paul hit record high as cost pressures bite before Christmas

SVP reports record demand for help as winter cost pressures intensify and energy credits end.

There was a surge in calls for help to the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the run-up to Christmas, as the total number of requests for assistance rose by 6% last year to a record 260,799.

In December alone, requests for help were 12% higher than the same month in 2024, as households faced severe pressure to meet costs during the winter period.

“We are meeting people who have never needed support before, including people who may previously have donated to SVP,” its national president Teresa Ryan said.

“The cost of staying warm and well is no longer just about electricity or gas. When food and housing costs rise at the same time, families have nowhere left to turn.”

During four months last year, SVP received over 10,000 requests for help buying food. Across 2025 as a whole, the number rose to 112,772, an increase of 8% on the previous year.

The number of people seeking help with energy costs also rose sharply, with SVP receiving 33,224 requests for energy assistance.

November 2025 marked the highest-ever month for energy requests.

The figures come after the Government’s most recent Budget did not include universal energy credits, which had featured in previous years.

While the Government increased the fuel allowance and social welfare supports, critics said the removal of universal credits stripped away a key safety net for families.

“These figures only capture part of what households are facing this winter,” SVP’s head of social policy Louise Bayliss said.

“For many people on bill-pay, the first real winter bills are only now landing, and the worry is that the full impact of higher energy costs will become clear as the winter progresses.

“Figures show that over 300,000 households are in arrears on their electricity bills and more than 180,000 are behind on gas. In recent years, energy credits provided vital relief. Without them, many households are now struggling to cope, especially those on the Fuel Allowance who face the highest risk.” 

Ms Bayliss said rising energy costs and the removal of energy credits mean the average household faces an extra €321 in bills this year, while the increase to the fuel allowance covers just €140 of that rise.

She also pointed to the most recent Survey on Income and Living Conditions, which shows consistent poverty in Ireland rose from 3.6% to 5%, while child consistent poverty jumped from 4.8% to 8.5%.

“That’s an additional 45,000 children,” Ms Bayliss said. “These are not abstract numbers. They are children going to school hungry, living in cold homes, and missing out on the basics that support a healthy childhood.”

SVP said the Government must take a holistic approach to tackling poverty, as families face multiple pressures at once, including rising energy costs, food bills, rent or mortgage payments, while previous cost-of-living supports have been withdrawn.

Ms Ryan added: “SVP is concerned that without more direct intervention by Government the calls for help and the Society will again reach a record level in 2026.

“In that event SVP will require additional members and volunteers as well as increased donations to continue to provide the level of support required by those who seek its help.”