Surprise Christmas social welfare boost as payment comes early next week

Thousands of Irish social welfare recipients will receive their payment early

Around this time of year, many households across Ireland are facing increased financial pressure as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

However, thousands of people on social welfare are set to receive their payments early this festive season in hopes of relieving some of that financial pressure.

The move, made by the Department of Social Protection, is to ensure recipients do not lose out financially while banks and post offices close for the Christmas holidays.

Welfare payments were originally due on December 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. However, they were now brought forward during the week beginning Monday, December 15, meaning many people received a double payment, according to the Irish Mirror.

A similar arrangement has been confirmed for New Year’s Day, with payments scheduled for 1 January to be issued early on 31 December.

The Department of Social Protection explained in a statement on Gov.ie: "If you get a social welfare payment, the date which you receive your payment may change during the Christmas and New Year period.

"If you receive a weekly social welfare payment, you will get your payment as usual during the week commencing Monday 15 December, and an advanced payment for the following week. This applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your financial institution account.

"Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Department of Social Protection."

This surprise festive boost comes after the Christmas Bonus was paid in the week beginning December 1.

Further changes to social welfare are planned for 2026.

The following social welfare schemes will increase by €10 per week:

• State Pension (Contributory)
• State Pension (Non-Contributory)
• Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• Jobseeker's Benefit
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Maternity Benefit
• Adoptive Benefit
• Paternity Benefit
• Parent's Benefit
• Health and Safety Benefit
• Farm Assist
• Deserted Wife's Benefit
• Deserted Wife's Allowance
• Supplementary Welfare Allowance
• Illness Benefit
• Invalidity Pension
• Disability Allowance
• Blind Pension
• Injury Benefit
• Disablement Benefit
• Death Benefit Scheme
• Carer's Benefit
• Carer's Allowance
• Guardian's payment

The Domiciliary Care Allowance, which is a monthly payment, is set to increase by €20 per month, reports RSVP Live.

The Child Support Payment, which was formerly known as Increase for a Qualified Child, will also see an increase.

The full weekly rate for children under 12 will go from €50 to €58, while the half rate will see an increase from €25 to €29.

For children aged 12 and above, the full rate will jump from €62 to €78 per week, with the half rate rising from €31 to €39.

In addition, the weekly rate for the Fuel Allowance is set to increase from €33 to €38.

However, there are several social welfare schemes which will not see any increases.

The weekly rate for the Living Alone Increase stands and will remain at €22.

The Island Increase (specified offshore islands) for people who live on islands and face additional travelling costs to the mainland, will also remain constant at €20 per week.

The Bereaved Parent Grant, which is a one-time payment of €8,000, will also remain the same come 2026.

Child Benefit, which is a monthly payment made to qualifying parents or guardians, currently stands at €140 a month and will remain the same in 2026.

Finally, the Carer's Support Grant, paid annually to the carer by the Department of Social Protection, will persist at €2,000 per year in 2026, per The Irish Mirror.

You can find all the exact rates and changes on the Citizens Information website.