Discover December and January Social Welfare Boost with Payment Hikes and Bonuses
Social welfare recipients are set to receive vital enhancements in December and January, offering increased payments and bonuses. These adjustments are particularly important for those who depend on government assistance as the year concludes.
Exciting December and January Social Welfare Updates
Christmas Bonus Announcement
The government has introduced a Christmas Bonus as part of the Budget 2026. Around 1.5 million long-term social welfare recipients will benefit from this initiative. The bonus, worth a full week’s payment, amounts to €370 million. While the exact payment date is not yet confirmed, recipients generally receive it in the first week of December, likely starting December 1.
Payment Schedule Changes
Due to banking and postal service closures during Christmas week, several social welfare payments will be issued earlier than usual. New payment dates are anticipated to be determined soon, likely occurring in the week before Christmas.
Increased Social Welfare Payments
Effective January 1, 2026, all universal social welfare payments—such as the state pension and jobseeker’s allowance—will see an increase of €10 per week. This change aims to provide additional financial support during the cold winter months.
Updates to the Working Family Payment
The income threshold for the Working Family Payment will increase by €60 weekly starting January 2026. Eligible recipients will also qualify for the Fuel Allowance from March 2026, with benefits backdated to January.
Increases for Carers and Child Support Payments
- The weekly personal rate for Carer’s Allowance will rise by €10 beginning January 2026.
- Child Support Payments will also receive enhancements:
- An increase of €8 for children under 12 years (from €50 to €58).
- An increase of €16 for children aged 12 years and over (from €62 to €78).
Starting July 2026, the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will be increased to better support families caring for loved ones.
Fuel Allowance Adjustments
The weekly Fuel Allowance will be raised by €5, increasing it to €38 per week beginning January 2026. The Working Family Payment will qualify for this allowance from March 2026, retroactive to January. Furthermore, individuals who transition from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will retain their Fuel Allowance for five years.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Increase
Starting January 2026, the Domiciliary Care Allowance will also increase by €20 per month, moving from €360 to €380. These updates mark a significant improvement in the financial support system for families and individuals, especially during the holiday season and the following winter months.
