Complete guide to next year’s social welfare changes and payment increases

Following the recent release of Budget 2026, significant changes to social welfare programs are set to take effect in January 2026. These changes will benefit numerous individuals and families across various categories.

Social Welfare Payment Increases

One of the most notable adjustments involves an increase of €10 in weekly social welfare payments. This rise will apply to the majority of payments, with proportional increases for dependents included.

Child Support Payment Adjustments

• The weekly rate for Child Support Payments will rise by €8 for children under 12, bringing the total to €58.
• For children aged 12 and over, the rate will increase by €16, elevating it from €62 to €78.

Additional Social Welfare Changes

• A Christmas Bonus of 100% will be issued in December 2025 for qualifying social welfare recipients.
• The Working Family Payment income limits will see a €60 weekly increase for all family sizes.
• The Fuel Allowance will rise by €5, making the new weekly total €38.

Eligibility Changes

Several modifications to income and eligibility criteria will broaden access to certain benefits. Individuals and households previously ineligible may now qualify for assistance under the updated rules.

Specific Program Updates

• Starting March 2026, the Working Family Payment will qualify recipients for the Fuel Allowance, with payments backdated to January if conditions are met.
• Individuals transitioning from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will retain the Fuel Allowance for five years, starting September 2026.
• The Back to Work Family Dividend is now available for those on Disability Allowance or Blind Pension who secure employment.
• The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will now include children aged 2 and 3, provided other eligibility criteria are fulfilled.

Future Adjustments

In July 2026, further improvements to social welfare will be implemented:

• The Carer’s Allowance income disregard will rise to €1,000 for single individuals and €2,000 for couples.
• The weekly income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase by €375, reaching €1,000.
• The Domiciliary Care Allowance will see a raise of €20, increasing the monthly total to €380.

Community Impact

The forthcoming changes aim to ease the financial burden on many households. Approximately 1.5 million long-term social welfare recipients are expected to benefit from the Christmas Bonus this December, maintaining the traditional 100% payment rate.