Major welfare shakeup for 1.3 million people, with cash arriving in bank accounts two weeks EARLIER

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and anyone on welfare is being warned to change the timing of their payments.

Two weeks will pass during the holiday season, date of receipt of money will be subject to change and people are urged to ensure they are aware of any changes during the high season.

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The shake-up could affect about 1.3 million people, including everyone receiving social Security payment and people who profit from double Christmas money.

The Department of Social Protection explained: “If you receive a social benefit, the date you receive the payment may change within Christmas And New Year period.

“If you receive a weekly social security payment, you will receive it as normal during the week commencing Monday 16 December, plus an advance payment for the following week.

“This applies to payments made at post offices, by check or directly into your financial institution account.”

It has been confirmed that there will be no changes to payments made on December 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.

However, those who expect to receive the money on December 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 can now expect to receive Social Security the week beginning December 16.

Additionally, anyone with a payment scheduled for January 1st, when we’re supposed to call 2025, will now receive their money a day earlier, on December 31st.

Those who apply on a random basis if receipts have been submitted in advance will also see some changes to the schedule.

The Department of Social Protection confirmed that two payments in the amount of Job Seeker’s Guide – which should have arrived on accounts on December 17 and 24 will instead be paid in one double payment on December 20.

And those who should have received Job Seeker’s Guide On December 18th and 25th, the money will be credited to their accounts immediately on December 20th instead.

Anyone claiming sickness benefit is urged to continue to submit a Certificate of Incapacity for Work over the Christmas and New Year period.

Part-time, casual and short-term workers may also get hurt during the holiday period.

The Department of Social Protection said: “The change to welfare payment dates will also impact part-time, casual and short-term workers over the Christmas and New Year period.

“To ensure you receive your payments on time this month, please follow the instructions on MyWelfare.ie on how to submit your work schedules correctly.”

Meanwhile, six cost of living support measures costing up to 400 euros will be distributed to thousands Irish this week.

CHILD BENEFIT

First of two double payments of child benefitsworth 560 euros, will end up in the pockets of parents starting this week.

Child benefit is a monthly payment to parents or carers under the age of 16, and to those under 18 who are in further education or have a disability, and double the cash amount was confirmed in the 2025 Budget last month.

child The benefit payment was issued to eligible individuals in the first week of the month starting 4 November and the cash amounting to €280 per child will go directly into the parents or carers’ accounts.

The second payment, which will support more than 1.2 million children, will be released sometime in December.

Carer SUPPORT

Those who received Carer Support Grant will receive a lump sum payment of 400 euros this month.

The Carer Support Grant, formerly known as the Respite Care Grant, is paid out around June each year.

The lump sum was announced in the 2025 Budget along with a €150 increase in the grant next June to €2,000.

A one-time payment of 400 euros will be paid on November 11 this year.

INCREASED LIVING LONELY

Those who received Living alone allowance On November 11th they will receive an additional 200 euros.

Living Alone Allowance is an additional benefit for single people receiving Social Security benefits.

It is issued to people aged 66 years or older who live alone and are entitled to certain benefits, including pensionsdisability benefits and abandoned wife benefits.

People under 66 years of age will receive the Living Alone Supplement if they live alone and receive Disability Benefit, Disability Pension, Disability Supplement and Blindness Pension.

PAYMENT FOR A WORKING FAMILY

A whopping €400 lump sum payment was given to those who received Working Assistance. Family Payment on November 4th.

Working Family Pay is a tax-free weekly payment for employees with children who have low wages.

It provides additional financial assistance to families with children, the amount of payments depends on family size and income.

DISABILITY SUPPORT GRANT

400 euros Disability Support Grant On November 4, a lump sum payment was issued to recipients of disability pension, disability benefit and blind pension.

A disability pension is a weekly benefit paid to people who are unable to Job due to illness or disability covered by PRSI.

Disability benefit is a weekly benefit paid to people with disabilities and you can receive it from the age of 16.

ENERGY LOAN

First energy the loans announced in the 2025 budget have already come into force.

Domestic electricity consumers can count on a discount of 250 euros. electricity bills during the winter months.

These will be paid in two lump sum payments of €125, with the first payment being made between 1 November and 23 December.

The second loan will be issued between January 1 and February 28.

The exact loan payment date depends on when your supplier typically sends your invoice, and you do not need to register to receive an automatic payment.