SVP reports record demand in 2025 as requests for help exceed 260,000 for the first time
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) has recorded more than 260,799 requests for assistance in 2025, a 6% increase on 2024, with a sharp rise in demand in the lead-up to Christmas. December requests were 12% higher than last year, reflecting the extra pressure on households during the winter period.
Food remains the biggest driver of need
Food-related requests were the largest category, with SVP receiving 112,772 requests for food assistance in 2025, up 8,548 on 2024. For four months of the year, food requests exceeded 10,000 per month.
Energy assistance reaches record levels
Requests for energy-related support also rose significantly. In 2025, SVP received 33,224 requests for energy assistance. November 2025 was SVP’s highest-ever month for energy requests.
Louise Bayliss, SVP Head of Social Policy, said: “These figures only capture part of what households are facing this winter. 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. Rising energy costs and the removal of energy credits mean the average household will face an extra €321 next year. The increase to the Fuel Allowance announced in the most recent budget covers only €140 of this increase, leaving a significant shortfall for low income households.”
“The most recent Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) figures showed consistent poverty has increased from 3.6% in 2024 to 5% in 2025, with child consistent poverty rising from 4.8% to 8.5% in just one year – that’s an additional 45,000 children. 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 is calling on Government to take a holistic approach to tackling poverty - recognising that households are being hit simultaneously by rising energy, food and housing costs, while temporary cost-of-living supports have been withdrawn.
SVP President Teresa Ryan said, “We are meeting people who have never needed support before, including people who may previously have donated to SVP. 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.”
“Our volunteers continue to provide support, without judgment, wherever we can. But Ireland should not be seeing rising poverty in a country with a growing economy. We need measures that deliver real, lasting protection for the most vulnerable.”
“SVP is concerned that without more direct intervention by the 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.”
