Urgent alert for thousands over fundamental changes in welfare payments this week

THOUSANDS of Irish welfare recipients have been warned they could change their payment dates during the new bank holiday, St Brigid’s Day.

The new bank holiday takes place annually on the first Monday in February.

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As St Brigid’s Day (1 February) fell on a Wednesday this year, the bank holiday will fall on Monday 6 February instead.

As a result, many welfare recipients receive their payments early as post offices, banks and intreo centers close on the day.

Payments due Monday February 6th will be paid three days early on February 3rd.

The payments due on Tuesday, February 7th will be paid out as usual, including child benefit.

This is as many have benefited from a number of budget changes since we entered the new year.

The Department of Social Protection’s budget allocation for 2023 has been set at a whopping €23.4 billion.

Some of the announced changes in the budget for welfare recipients did not come into effect until late last month or even later in the year.

But four groups have benefited from the new payments from early January.

PENSION

The maximum weekly rate for all statutory pensions has been increased by €12.

Eligible adults and those on the reduced rate also received a pro rata increase from early January.

This month the tax limit for fuel consumption increases from €120 to €200.

DISABLED ALLOWANCE

The income allowance for invalidity pension and blind person’s pension was increased from €140 to €165.

This is an increase of €25 from the previous threshold of €140.

SUPERVISOR

The home care allowance (DCA) was increased by EUR 20.50 from EUR 309.50 to EUR 330 in January.

DCA is also available for babies who remain in an acute care hospital for a period of six months after birth.

FAMILYS

In the case of recipients of the Working Family Payment, the income limits for all family sizes will be raised by €40.

The WFP payment you receive is 60 percent of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size.

SOCIAL WELFARE

Those under 25 receiving a lower unemployment benefit payment received the full €12 increase in January 2023.

The weekly rate for an eligible child increases by €2 from €40 to €42 for children under 12 years old.

It increases by €2 from €48 to €50 for children aged 12 and over.

CHILDCARE COSTS

In addition, parents will receive the first 1,200 euros savings in childcare costs per year at the beginning of January.

New funds of €1 billion listed in the 2023 budget will allow a 25 percent reduction in average costs for tens of thousands of families in need.