Today’s the day that the government has confirmed that the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients will start to be issued to those entitled to the payment.
Roughly, on average, recipients will get about €200 extra into their weekly payment, including those on disability after the scheme was changed to include those people on disability.
Social Welfare Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed when 1.3 million social welfare recipients would receive their Christmas bonus payments.
The traditional double disbursement of the Christmas Bonus will cost the State over 300 million euros.
People will receive double the normal weekly long-term social care allowance.
Payment will be made to groups such as retirees, carers, people with disabilities, widows and single parents next week.
Those receiving unemployment benefits for 12 months or more will also receive the Christmas bonus.
Around 17,500 people receiving sick pay for 12 months or more will also receive a double payment as a result of this year’s scheme changes.
When you announced double payments, Minister Humphreys welcomed the fact that those under this scheme are also included.
“Christmas is a very special time of the year, but it can be an expensive period for individuals and families, particularly given the current cost of living. I am pleased therefore to announce that a Christmas Bonus Double Payment will be paid next week,” she said, reports The Mirror.
The disbursements of the Christmas Bonus are added to the seven flat-rate disbursements already paid to the beneficiaries of the social allowance.
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