Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys(Image: Collins)

Social welfare Ireland: One major group won't be receiving December’s cost of living double payment

by · RSVP Live

One major group won't be receiving the cost of living double payment due in December.

The Christmas Bonus is a once-off double week payment for people getting a long-term social welfare payment.

You do not need to apply for the Bonus. If you qualify, you’ll automatically get it.

Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Households may miss out on €125 energy credit due to little known rule

Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Government confirms payments will increase for families who claim these benefits

Here is everything you need to know about the Christmas Bonus

When is the Christmas Bonus paid?

A Christmas Bonus of 100% will be paid the week starting 2 December 2024 to people getting a qualifying social welfare payment.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys(Image: Collins)

Who qualifies for the Christmas Bonus?

People who are getting the following payments will get 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 (long term)
  • Deserted Wife's Allowance
  • Deserted Wife's Benefit
  • Disability Allowance
  • Disablement Benefit
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance
  • Farm Assist
  • Guardian's Payment
  • Illness Benefit (long -term)
  • Invalidity Pension
  • Job Initiative Scheme
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (long term)
  • 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)
  • Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension
  • Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension
  • Work Placement Experience Programme

Are there any payments that do not qualify?

Fuel Allowance is not a qualifying payment for the Christmas Bonus, they will receive a once-off payment of €300 in the week beginning 4 November 2024.