Thousands of people in Ireland who receive social welfare are in line for an early financial boost this week, as a number of payments are being issued ahead of schedule due to the May bank holiday, reports The Mirror.
The upcoming public holiday takes place on Monday, May 5, which means that many services—including banks, post offices, and Intreo centres—will be shut on that day.
Consequently, those expecting a payment on that Monday are likely to see their funds arrive earlier than usual, with payments expected to be processed on Friday, May 2 or Saturday, May 3, reports The Mirror.
This change in schedule is anticipated to affect several types of social welfare payments, such as Child Benefit. Typically paid on the first Tuesday of every month, this benefit is generally issued a few days early when the preceding Monday is a bank holiday.
Child Benefit provides a monthly payment of €140 to parents or guardians of children under the age of 16. The support also extends to children aged 16 to 18 if they are in full-time education or training, or if they have a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves, reports The Mirror.
Additionally, first-time parents who are due to receive the New Baby Grant—a one-time payment of €280—may also gain from the revised payment timeline.
This grant is issued along with the initial Child Benefit payment for children born or adopted on or after December 1, 2024. Eligible recipients will receive a combined payment of €420, reports The Mirror.
New parents will be contacted automatically to claim the grant once their child’s birth is officially registered. Those already receiving Child Benefit will have any newly born children added to their existing claim and will be informed about the updated payment details.
Following the bank holiday weekend, the regular social welfare payment schedule will resume on Tuesday, May 6, reports The Mirror.
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