There are multiple social welfare changes to note for December and January
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December is right around the corner and it’s often the most expensive month of the year for households across the country.
There are two important notices for social welfare recipients to take note of for next month – a bonus payment and a schedule change. Looking ahead to January, multiple social welfare changes that were announced in the Budget will kick in.
Here are the social welfare notices for December and January:
Christmas Bonus
The return of the Christmas bonus was confirmed during last month’s Budget 2026 announcement. The payment will be issued to 1.5 million long-term social welfare recipients.
It will be paid at the the usual rate of 100 per cent of the weekly payment at a cost of €370 million. While the Department of Social Protection are yet to confirm the exact date, the Christmas Bonus is usually issued during the first week of December.
It is expected that those eligible for the double payment will receive it during the week starting December 1.
Social welfare date changes
Due to post office and bank closures during Christmas week, some social welfare recipients will receive payments that are due during Christmas week early. The exact payment schedule has yet to be confirmed but it is expected the payments will be issued the week prior to Christmas.
Social welfare payment increases
All universal social welfare payments, including the state pension and jobseekers, were increased by €10 per week in the Budget. This will be implemented on January 1.
Working Family Payment
The income threshold for the Working Family Payment will increase by €60 a week for all families starting January 2026. Those receiving the Working Family Payment will also qualify for the Fuel Allowance from March 2026 and this will be backdated to January 2026.
Carers
From January 2026, the maximum weekly personal rate of Carer’s Allowance will increase by €10.
From January 2026, the Child Support Payment will increase:
- By €8, from €50 to €58, for children under 12 years of age
- By €16, from €62 to €78, for children aged 12 years and over
From July 2026, the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will increase by €375 to €1,000 for a single person, and by €750 to €2,000 for a couple.
Child Support Payment
In January 2026, the Child Support Payment will increase:
- By €8, from €50 to €58, for children under 12 years of age
- By €16, from €62 to €78, for children aged 12 years and over
Fuel Allowance
From January 2026, the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance will rise by €5 to €38 per week.
The Working Family Payment will become a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance from March 2026. Payment for people who meet the conditions of the scheme will be backdated to January 2026.
From September 2026, people moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work will keep their Fuel Allowance for 5 years.
Domiciliary Care Allowance
In January 2026, Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase by €20 from €360 to €380 per month.
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