In Budget 2023 the government set aside €1.2 billion in lump sum spending to help people with the cost of living. The double cost of living payment will benefit 1.4 million people including pensioners and carers.
Meanwhile, the Christmas bonus is expected to be paid the week beginning 5 December. The double pension will see a pensioner get €500 next week, or €1,000 for a couple for the week.
Additionally, families stand to gain from a double child benefit payment that will be made the week of November 1st. A lump sum payment of €400 will be given to people receiving fuel allowances during the week beginning November 14.
Moreover, beginning on November 14, recipients of the living alone allowance will get a lump sum payment of €200. The working family payment recipients will also get a €500 disability assistance grant that week in addition to a €500 cost of living payment.
From November 21, caregivers will start receiving their €500 stipend. This winter, recipients of the Living Alone Increase will receive a lump sum payment of an additional €200. You will get both extra payments if you are eligible for both the Fuel Allowance and the Living Alone Allowance.
Early December 2022 will see the payment of the standard Christmas Bonus of 100% to those who have been receiving social assistance for at least four months. Personal rates of social welfare will increase by €12 starting in January 2023, with a commensurate increase for qualified individuals and those receiving reduced rates of payment. In the meantime, the national minimum wage will increase by €0.80 to €11.30 per hour.
