Recipients of social welfare payments will see increases from today onwards as proposals introduced in last October’s Budget will take affect.
In an announcement made last week the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty confirmed that all payment increases will begin the week commencing March 25th.
It is expected that the increases which will be made available to pensioners, parents and those on social welfare will cost in the region of €362m.
It is expected that 637,340 pensioners will receive a €5 increase per week, whilst some 684,700 social welfare recipients will receive a €5 increase next week.
The Department of Social Protection say the increase will be made available to those collecting the state pension.
It will also be made available to jobseekers, carers, widows, people with disabilities, lone parents, Paternity Benefit recipients, community Employment participants.
Meanwhile increases will be made for dependent children, with those under the age of 12 seeing a €2.20 increase per week, whilst those over the age of 12 will receive a €5.20 increase per week.