Thousands of people in receipt of social welfare payments in Ireland are in for a slight cash boost very soon in line with changes announced in Budget 2023.
There were many supports confirmed during the October announcement, including supports being put in place to help people with their cost of energy, heating, and fuel nationwide.
One of the most widespread changes which will come into effect in a matter of weeks is the additional €12 being added to weekly social welfare payments.
READ MORE: Social welfare: Thousands warned of changes to double payment dates this month
According to citizens' information: “The maximum rate of all weekly social welfare payments will increase by €12 with proportional increases for qualified adults and people on reduced rates of payment (January 2023).
“People aged 25 and under who are getting a reduced rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance will get the full €12 increase (January 2023).
“The weekly rate for a qualified child will increase by €2 from €40 to €42 for children under 12 years of age. It will increase by €2 from €48 to €50 for children aged 12 years and over (January 2023).”
Meanwhile, with Christmas week causing disruption to the normal weekly payments, officials announced changes to the schedule.
Banks will close as normal on Friday, December 23, and will not reopen until Thursday, December 29, 2022 - during which some social welfare payments were due to be paid.
Post offices will close at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 24, and will not reopen until Thursday, December 29, 2022 - which will affect even more people’s paydays.
Post offices and Banks will also be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, but things will return as normal on Tuesday, January 3.
Many people will therefore receive payments earlier and with banks and post offices closing over Christmas, all welfare and state pension recipients who are paid weekly will receive a double payment before the holidays.
However, people are reminded that this double payment will be followed by a week with no payments.
The Christmas double payment will be paid out the week beginning Monday, December 19, and according to the Department of Social Protection, the updated payment dates are as follows:
- Anyone receiving a payment on Wednesday, December 21 will get it as normal
- Anyone receiving a payment on Thursday, December 22 will receive it on Wednesday, December 23
- Anyone set to get a payment on Friday, December 23 will be paid on Thursday on December 22
- Anyone getting paid on Monday, January 2 will be paid on Friday, December 30
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