The Department of Social Protection has confirmed updated social welfare payment arrangements for the festive season.
People receiving benefits are advised to be aware that changes to the standard payment schedule are approaching, reports The Mirror.
With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, banks and post offices will close for several days over the holiday period.
As a result of these closures during Christmas week, some social welfare recipients will receive payments earlier than they normally would, reports The Mirror.
In most cases, people on social welfare receive a double payment in the week before Christmas to cover the following week when banks and post offices are closed.
This year, an additional adjustment will also be made ahead of January 1, as banks and post offices will not open on New Year’s Day, reports The Mirror.
In a statement on Gov.ie, the Department of Social Protection said: “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, reports The Mirror.
“This applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your financial institution account.”
People in receipt of casual or part-time jobseeker’s payments are advised to submit their dockets early, as instructed, to ensure payments continue over the Christmas period, reports The Mirror.
Those receiving income support from the Department of Social Protection are also asked to notify the department of any planned absences before travelling.
This can be done by visiting a local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, reports The Mirror.
The department has also released details of opening hours and contact information for Intreo Centres, PPSN Centres and PSC Centres over the festive period.
Christmas opening times for Intreo Centres, PPSN Centres and PSC Centres have been outlined as follows, reports The Mirror.
Phone lines will be available between 10am and 4pm daily, except on Thursday 25 December, Friday 26 December and Thursday 1 January. Normal phone services will resume on Friday, 2 January.
The public can contact the services on 0818 405 060 or 0818 607 080 for Community Welfare Services, reports The Mirror.
Enquiries can also be made by email to [email protected]
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