Government leaders have today announced a spate of cost-of-living measures to help households with rising bills, including a once-off €200 payment for some social welfare recipients.
The new bonus for all long-term social welfare recipients was announced on Tuesday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.
The payment was announced alongside a series of other once-off measures with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirming the total value of these payments is €1.3 billion and will be the “last intervention this side of the Budget” in October.
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As well as for all who are receiving long-term social welfare protection payments the extra €200 bonus payment will also be paid to pensioners, carers, the disabled and lone parents.
Eligible recipients will receive the brand new once-off €200 payment on top of their usual payment in April.
However, the payment does not include increases to fuel allowance, the living alone allowance or the working family payment.
Other measures announced include the extension of the 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas to the end of October in a move the Taoiseach called "a universal benefit" to all households.
The government also announced a €100 lump sum Child Benefit payment per child and €100 extra for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
Furthermore, the government agreed to waive fees for students sitting the 2023 Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
The government have also taken the decision to not increase the price of petrol and diesel until June.
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