The build up to Christmas has officially begun, with the days getting colder and thoughts turning to decorations and presents.
But while the festive season can be fun, it's also safe to say it's extremely tough on the bank balance.
For those collecting benefits such as social welfare and children's allowance, it's important to be aware of the change of dates over the Christmas period.
RSVP Live have put together a list with everything you need to know, so you don't get caught out.
The Christmas Bonus
In the first week of December 2019 the Christmas Bonus will be paid to pensioners and long term welfare claimants.
Two weeks later there will then be a double payment for all weekly paid customers – as explained below.
Department of Social Protection offices
All of the Department of Social Protection’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Banks and Post Offices
All the Banks in Ireland will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and will not re-open until Monday, December 30.
(If your branch normally opens on a Saturday they may open on December 28).
Banks will also be closed on January 1, 2020
Post Offices will close at 1pm on December 24 and will not reopen until Friday, December 27.
Post Offices will also be closed on January 1, 2020.
There will be no mail delivery or collection on December 25, 26 or 27.
Payments for People who are paid weekly and collect their payments at Post Offices
All people who are paid weekly and collect their payments at Post Offices or are paid by cheque – will get a double payment in the week commencing December 16. This will be their normal weekly payment PLUS an advance/”double” payment for the following week.
There will be no “regular” weekly payments during the week beginning Monday, December 23.
Any weekly payments due for collection on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 will be available for collection on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Benefits Paid Monthly for Collection at Post Offices
Payments due for collection on December 25 and 26 will be available on December 23.
Benefits due for collection on December 27 will be available on December 24, while those due on January 1, 2020, will be available on December 31, 2019
Child Benefit payments due for collection on Tuesday, January 7 will be unaffected.
Payments for People who get Weekly Payments Direct to Bank Accounts
During the week commencing December 16, all those who are paid weekly into bank accounts will receive their normal payment plus an advance payment for the following week. Payments will be made on the usual day.
Normal payment arrangements will resume from Thursday, January 2, 2020.
People who get Monthly Payments into Banks
Monthly Payments due in accounts on December 25 and 26 will be paid on December 23.
Payments due in accounts on December 27 will be there on December 24 and those due on January 1, 2020 will be paid in on December 31, 2019.
Casual Jobseekers
If you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit on a casual basis, you will need to return your dockets for the signing weeks ending 9/10 December, 17/18 December, and 24/25 December to your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office on or before 11 December 2019.
Where dockets are provided by this date, two payments covering the signing weeks ending 17 and 24 December or 18 and 25 December will be paid into accounts on Friday, December 20.
Normal payment arrangements for casual job seekers will resume from Tuesday, 7 January 2020
Fuel Allowance
If you have opted for 2 lump sums – the second lump sum will be paid in the second week of January 2020.
