Dates of lump sum social welfare payments confirmed
Payment dates for ten new Budget supports have been announced to help individuals and families in Westmeath, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has said.
“This month marks the start of a comprehensive package of ten financial supports totalling over €1.4 billion nationwide. These payments are designed to ease the financial strain on families, pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities across the country,” he commented.
“Minister Heather Humphreys has delivered the largest social protection Budget in the history of the State, combining once-off financial supports with increases in core payments. People in Westmeath will see immediate benefits from these measures.
"This month, an October Double Payment will be made, benefiting 1.4 million people. In November and December, there will be two double payments of Child Benefit, helping 678,000 families across Ireland, covering over 1.2 million children.
"Throughout November, further supports will roll out for people in Westmeath. A €400 Disability Support Grant will be provided to people with disabilities, and a €400 relief payment will be made to those receiving the Working Family Payment. A €200 payment will also go to nearly 254,000 individuals receiving the Living Alone Allowance.
"In the same week of November, a €300 Fuel Allowance Lump Sum will be paid to over 387,000 households, including many in Westmeath, ensuring that heating costs are covered as we head into the colder months.
“Minister Humphreys has also secured an expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme, meaning many more households in Westmeath will receive assistance with energy costs starting in January.
"Further relief includes a €400 Carer's Support Payment, which will be distributed during the week of 11th November to carers nationwide.
"At the end of November, families with children will receive additional support through a €100 child payment, which will assist 340,000 children. And finally, the Christmas Bonus Double Payment will be issued in the first week of December to support those most in need during the holiday season.”
“This level of support is only possible thanks to Fine Gael’s careful management of the economy. Ireland is in a position to provide this financial relief without having to borrow. Additionally, we have a €6 billion reserve fund set aside to address any unforeseen challenges in the coming year,” Minister Burke concluded.