Thousands of recipients across Ireland will receive early double payments to make sure they are not left out of pocket
The much-anticipated Christmas Bonus for those receiving social welfare is due to arrive within days(Image: DPA/PA Images)
With Christmas just around the corner, many households across Ireland are feeling the pinch as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
However, there is some good news for thousands of people on social welfare, as payments will be made early this week in a surprise festive boost. The Department of Social Protection recently confirmed new payment arrangements ahead of the Christmas season, when banks and post offices will be closed.
To make sure recipients are not left out of pocket, certain social welfare payments that were due Christmas week will be issued in advance. This means that many recipients will receive a double payment during the week commencing Monday, December 15. A similar arrangement will also take place ahead of New Year’s Day, when banks and post offices will again be closed.
In a statement on Gov.ie, the Department of Social Protection explained: “If you receive a weekly social welfare payment, you will get your payment as usual during the week commencing Monday 15 December, and an advanced payment for the following week. This applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your financial institution account.”
Recipients of jobseeker’s casual or part-time payments are reminded to provide their dockets in advance to make sure payments continue over the Christmas period, the Irish Mirror reports. Those receiving income support should notify the Department of Social Protection of any planned absences in advance by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
The Department has also shared festive opening hours for Intreo Centres, PPSN Centres and PSC Centres:
- Open from 10am to 4pm every day, except Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26 and Thursday, January 1.
- Normal phone line hours resume on Friday, January 2.
- Contact by phone: 0818 405 060 / 0818 607 080 (Community Welfare Services)
- Email: info@welfare.ie
Where a walk in Public Service Card Service operates, it will be available until 12pm on December 24. Walk in availability may be reduced for the rest of the Christmas period. For those who need to apply for income supports, the quickest and easiest option is online via www.MyWelfare.ie.
