The Department of Social Protection has announced important changes to social welfare payments over the Christmas and New Year period, providing crucial information for recipients across Ireland.
Payment schedules will see some modifications during the holiday season. Payments due on December 16 through 20 will be processed normally, while those scheduled for December 23 through 27 will be processed in the week beginning December 16. Notably, payments originally set for January 1 will instead be paid on December 31. The department has confirmed that normal payment arrangements will fully resume on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Department of Social Protection offices, including Intreo Centres, will be closed on Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, and New Year’s Day, so recipients should plan accordingly.
The Christmas bonus has been a significant relief for many, with recipients of long-term social welfare payments receiving a 100% bonus of their normal weekly payment. The minimum bonus amount was €20, and it was automatically paid to eligible recipients during the week of December 2.
Child benefits have also seen special treatment this year. A double child benefit was paid on both November 5 and December 3, with an additional Newborn Baby Grant of €280 provided for children born on or after December 1. This comes alongside the first month’s Child Benefit of €140.
The Child Support Payment (CSP) has seen some positive changes. A €100 bonus was paid in November for each qualifying child, with upcoming rate increases scheduled for January 2025. Children under 12 will see their weekly rate increase from €46 to €50, while those 12 and over will see an increase from €54 to €62.
According to The Irish Examiner, in a further boost to households, the government is providing €250 in electricity bill credits. These credits come in two instalments of €125 each, with the first instalment distributed between November 1 and December 31, and the second set for January 1 to February 28. The exact timing of these credits depends on individual electricity billing cycles, so recipients are advised to check with their specific electricity supplier.
For those seeking more detailed information, the Citizens Information website and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities provide comprehensive resources about these payments and credits.