People have been warned by the Department of Social Protection that previously approved deductions may apply to their cost of living payment.
As part of the government’s continued attempts to curb rising costs, the payment was made on April 24. Those who have received welfare payments for more than a year are eligible for the bonus.
Some welfare recipients could see a slight deduction when receiving their payment this week, according to a statement posted on the Department’s website.
For the majority of beneficiaries who were eligible for other payments, the €200 was scheduled to arrive in bank accounts at the same time as regular social assistance payments.
However, some people will receive the €200 payment separate from other welfare entitlements. The Department explained that both methods could be subject to deductions due to previous overpaying or an agreement with An Post.
They wrote in a statement: “In these cases, the normal weekly payment and the cost of living bonus payment will both include any deduction which you have previously agreed to, such as An Post’s household budget and overpayment deductions.”
Customers can pay their rent and utility bills from their social welfare payments directly through An Post’s family budget. This service is available to post office customers, and it can be used to repay credit union loans.
Over a million people will receive the €200 payment this week. Many recipients of the funds received it on April 24, but some also received it with their regular payment on the day they typically receive social welfare benefits.