Details of the annual Christmas Bonus payment have been announced by Social and Family Affairs Minister, Martin Cullen.
Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year and the payment of the bonus will go some way to assist in meeting household Christmas costs
Minister Martin CullenThe bonus, which will be paid to 1.3 million social welfare recipients and their dependents will be paid in the first week of December at a cost of almost €180 million. 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.Minister Martin Cullen TD said: "This will be the eighth year in which the Government has provided a 100 per cent Christmas bonus. Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year and the payment of the bonus will go some way to assist in meeting household Christmas costs."Weekly social welfare payments eligible for the Christmas bonus include State Pension (Contributory, Non-Contributory and Transition), Widow's and Widower's (Contributory and Non Contributory Pension), Guardian's Payment (Contributory and Non-Contributory), Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Deserted Wife's Benefit, Carer's Allowance and Benefit, Disability Allowance, Farm Assist, long-term Jobseeker's Allowance and a number of other employment support payments.The Christmas Bonus is also paid to certain participants of FÁS, Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Job Initiative and Community Employment schemes and certain income maintenance schemes operated by the Department of Health and Children.Those in receipt of payments under the Rural Social Scheme will also benefit.