Multiple social welfare changes were confirmed in Budget 2026
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The New Year is approaching fast and will bring a number of social welfare changes that were announced in the Budget earlier this month.
Multiple social welfare changes were confirmed in Budget 2026, including payment increases and various eligibility changes. There are a number of dates and changes happening between now and January that social welfare recipients should take note of.
Here’s everything you need to know:
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.
Christmas Bonus
As expected, the Christmas Bonus for 1.5 million long-term social welfare recipients will be paid again this year. It will be the usual rate of 100 per cent of the weekly payment. It is expected that this will be issued during the first week in December.
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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