Many citizens have been eagerly waiting to see if the one-time payments from previous budgets will come back this year.
What is more, Government officials have cautioned social welfare recipients to temper their expectations, as it’s likely that the bonus payments will be scaled down compared to previous budgets.
Cost of living – Budget 2025
While little information had been reported on the bonus payments initially, with the announcement for Budget 2025 only hours away, more details have started to emerge.
Households should anticipate around 10 different one-off payments in the upcoming financial package, which will be distributed over the next few months. These include:
- Two double welfare payments in October and at Christmas.
- The annual Christmas Bonus, which is worth 100% of your normal weekly payment, is expected to be paid out during the first week of December, likely around Monday, December 2nd.
Exciting news! This October, the government is introducing a new feature in the form of cash boosts. A senior Government source revealed to the Irish Examiner that these payments will be rolled out directly after the budget announcement, and it’s currently on the table.
Double Child Benefit Payments
Parents, rejoice! The upcoming bonus payments are expected to include two double payments of Child Benefit. This means families could receive a total of €280 before the year ends.
Social Welfare Lump Sum Payments
In addition to the Child Benefit boost, several social welfare schemes are set to benefit from lump sum payments. These amounts will vary, ranging from €100 to €400, providing much-needed financial relief to many.
Government Leaders at the Helm
The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers T.D., alongside the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., are spearheading these initiatives.
Focus on Priority Groups
Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Social Protection, has confirmed that certain groups are set to receive hikes in the upcoming financial package. These groups are the priority and will benefit the most from these new measures.
Minister Humphreys has highlighted four key groups that will receive significant support: people with disabilities, carers, older people, and working families. These groups are set to benefit from a robust package of measures aimed at alleviating financial pressures.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
Minister Humphreys recently emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “I do expect that there will be an increase in the social welfare rates, and I think it’s important that we support our older people.
They have worked hard all their lives and have contributed immensely to our economy. I really do not want to see any elderly person afraid to turn on the heat.”
One-Off Payments in Budget 2025
According to the Irish Times, the following groups will receive one-time payments as part of Budget 2025:
- €400 Disability Support Grant
- €400 Carer’s Support Grant
- €300 Fuel Allowance Payment
- €200 Living Alone Allowance
- €400 Working Family Payment
- €100 Child Support Grant (formerly the Qualified Child Payment)
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to supporting those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind in challenging times.