1.4m people to get double social welfare boost this week

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced today (Monday) that the Autumn double payment will be paid to over 1.4 million people this week.

The social welfare payment is the first of 8 lump-sum payments totalling €1.2 billion to help with the cost of living crisis, which were announced as part of last month's record social protection budget.

The social protection budget – the largest in the history of the State – will assist pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and families with the cost of living crisis, through a mix of lump sum supports and increases to weekly payments.

Announcing the Autumn double payment, Minister Humphreys said the the cost of living pressures are affecting the lives of people right across this country" and her priority is "to support the people most seriously impacted."

She said the double payment will be "so important" in terms of supporting pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and working families, and will provide supports to 1.4 million people across the State.

Further supports will follow next month, including a €400 lump sum payment for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance and a €200 lump sum payment for those in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance.

“There will also be a double payment of Child Benefit in November, as well as a €500 payment for those in receipt of the Carer’s Support Grant, and a €500 payment for people in receipt of Disability Allowance.

“In addition to the series of lump-sum payments, I was delighted to also secure a major expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme – which will see up to 81,000 new households supported with their fuel cost for the first time, as well as across-the-board welfare increases of €12 per week. These measures will take effect from January 2023.”