The full details of the Christmas bonus payments schedule for over 1.2 million welfare customers and their dependents, were announced today by the Minister for Social Affairs, Seamus Brennan.
Mr Brennan said that the bonus, which was recently approved by the Cabinet, will benefit over 855,000 welfare recipients and an estimated 394,000 dependents at a total cost of €157million. The bonus is equivalent to 100 per cent of the normal weekly payment and this means a double payment of entitlements for all who qualify.
The bonus will be paid on the following dates: 28th of November in respect of Jobseekers Allowance (long-term) and Farm Assist Pre-Retirement Allowance, 29th of November in respect of Disability Allowance, 30th November in respect of Carer's Benefit Carer's Allowance, State Pension (Transition), Invalidity Pension ,One-Parent Family Payment and the 1 stof December in respect of the Disablement Pension, Death Benefit, State Pension Widow's/Widower's, Guardian's Payment and the Blind Pension.
"This bonus payment is relied on by hundreds of thousands of people, and is a lifeline at this time of year as spending pressures increase. This extra social welfare payment at the full 100 per cent rate will now be paid for seven years in a row and is a sign of our commitment to social welfare recipients and to supporting those who most need help, recognition and an extra financial boost, particularly at this time of year," sais Mr Brennan.
The total cost of the Christmas Bonus is: €148.2m for social welfare customers; €6.06m for certain participants of FÁS, VTOS, Job Initiative and CE schemes; €1.55 for certain income maintenance schemes provided by the Department of Health and Children; €670,000 for participants in the Rural Social Scheme operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.