Thousands of people could benefit from additional social welfare lump sum payments if the cost of living crisis continues, according to Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath.
The news comes after the Government announced its cost of living package in Budget 2023.
These measures included a double social welfare payment and a fuel allowance lump sum.
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The first of two double weekly welfare payments will be paid out next week, and there will be a second double payment made before Christmas.
The Autumn Double Payment will be paid out next week Monday, October 17, and a whopping 1.4million social welfare recipients will benefit.
A double payment of child benefits will also be paid to all qualifying families on Tuesday, November 1.
The fuel allowance lump sum of €400 will be paid out in the week beginning Monday, November 14.
The one-off payment brings the total value of the Winter Fuel Allowance to €1,324 per household.
Over 371,000 people are eligible to receive the payment, and anyone getting a long-term social welfare payment may qualify for the payment.
In addition, a €500 Disability Support Grant bonus will be paid next month to 216,000 people in Ireland who receive the weekly Disability Allowance.
Those in receipt of the working family payment will also receive a one-off €500 lump sum next month to help with the cost of living.
A once-off €200 lump sum payment will be made to 234,000 people in receipt of the living alone allowance next month.
The payments will be issued in the week starting on Monday, November 14.
A €500 lump sum payment will be paid to over 130,000 carers in the week beginning Monday, November 21.
And finally, the Christmas Bonus will be paid out on December 5 to people getting long-term social welfare payments.
Public Expenditure Minister Micheal McGrath claimed that the Government would not shy away from introducing further supports for households if they are needed again next year.
Asked if additional support could be on the cards, Minister McGrath said: “As with all things in the current climate, there is so much uncertainty and volatility indeed internationally, and the Government will be keeping this under review as we progress through next year.
“And you know, the public finances are in a healthy position overall. We’re forecasting a surplus this year, but considerably larger next year.
“We’re putting €6 billion funding into the national reserve fund. And we’re able to do all of this without any recourse to the market. So no borrowing whatsoever.
“So it does give the Government the capacity to provide further interventions if that is required.
“But that is an assessment that we can only make as time progresses through next year. But for now, Budget 2023 is the Government’s response. And our focus is on implementing all of the measures.”
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