Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year, but there is good financial news for households across Ireland this December
08:22, 30 Nov 2025
Between Christmas shopping and social occasions, December can be one of the most expensive months of the year, with many households nationwide struggling to make ends meet.
Keeping homes warm throughout the winter chill can also present a financial burden for many families as energy bills continue to climb, making it more important than ever to keep a careful track of household budgets.
Thankfully, when it comes to bills and the cost of living, there’s positive news ahead. Here’s a breakdown of all the money changes coming in December, from bills and benefits to everyday expenses.
Social welfare
Fuel Allowance
Fuel Allowance season is nearly upon us, typically commencing in late September each year and concluding in April.
It’s a payment designed to assist with the expense of heating your home throughout the winter months. It’s paid to just one person per household, reports RSVP Live.
The Fuel Allowance scheme provides €33 weekly for 28 weeks, or can be distributed via two lump sum payments totalling €924.
Whilst the current season has begun, individuals can still apply and qualify beyond the start date, though payments won’t be backdated. However, you’ll be eligible for future payments.
A spokesperson from the Department of Social Protection informed RSVP Live: “The 2025/26 Fuel Allowance season will commence on the week beginning Monday, 22 September 2025.”
Further details can be found here.
Christmas Bonus
The Christmas Bonus represents a one-off double week payment for individuals receiving a long-term social welfare payment – and it’s valued at 100% of your weekly scheme.
You don’t need to apply for the Bonus either – if you’re eligible, you’ll receive it automatically. The Christmas Bonus will be distributed in December to individuals receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, and it’s typically paid alongside your social welfare payment.
Those receiving the following payments will be eligible for the Christmas Bonus:
- Back to Education Allowance
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Back to Work Family Dividend
- Beneficiary of Temporary Protection Weekly Payment
- Blind Pension
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer’s Benefit
- Community Employment
- Daily Expenses Allowance
- Deserted Wife’s Allowance
- Deserted Wife’s Benefit
- Disability Allowance
- Disablement Benefit
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Farm Assist
- Guardian’s Payment
- Illness Benefit
- Invalidity Pension
- Job Initiative Scheme
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment
- Magdalen Commission Scheme
- Death Benefit Scheme (under the Occupational Injuries Scheme)
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Partial Capacity Benefit
- Rural Social Scheme
- State Pension (Contributory)
- State Pension (Non-contributory)
- Supplementary Welfare Allowance (long-term)
- Tús (community work placement initiative)
- Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension
- Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension
- Work Placement Experience Programme
Bills
Public Service Obligation levy
It’s anticipated that thousands of households will experience a reduction in their electricity costs in December.
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is a compulsory charge on all electricity customers that funds government schemes supporting renewable and sustainable electricity generation.
At present, the PSO levy stands at €2.01 per month (excluding VAT) for domestic customers and €7.77 for small commercial customers.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has just announced a new levy rate, which is expected to come into effect on 1 December 2025 and last until 30 September 2026.
The new rate for domestic customers is set to be €1.46 per month, while small commercial customers will face a monthly charge of €5.65.
