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The Irish government is stepping up to ease the financial burden of rising living costs, with a series of targeted lump-sum payments being distributed this week to support families, those with disabilities, and low-income households. Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, announced the details of these payments, which are part of a wider set of financial measures introduced under Budget 2025.

The Social Protection budget, Ireland’s largest ever, will provide a mix of lump-sum payments and increases to weekly benefits, helping vulnerable groups meet the cost of living. This week alone, four payments will be made, totaling approximately €415 million. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Tuesday, 5th November 2024: A double Child Benefit payment will be issued to 667,000 families, benefiting over 1.2 million children across Ireland.
• Throughout the Week: Over 400,000 households eligible for Fuel Allowance will receive a €300 lump-sum payment. Payment dates vary depending on the recipient.
• Wednesday 6th – Friday 8th November: A €400 Disability Support Payment will be made to 213,000 people receiving Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, or Blind Pension.
• Thursday, 7th November: 46,000 working families receiving the Working Family Payment will get a €400 lump-sum boost.

The payments will be added to recipients’ usual benefits on their regular payment days, so no extra applications are required.

Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, stated:

“This week, we are rolling out four of the lump sum payments that I secured as part of Budget 2025.

On Tuesday, we will have the first of our double Child Benefit payments, supporting over 1.2 million children across the State. We also have over 400,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance that will receive a €300 lump sum.

In addition, 46,000 families that receive the Working Family Payment will get a lump sum of €400, and 213,000 people with disabilities will also receive a €400 lump sum payment.

These payments will be followed by five further lump-sum payments over the coming weeks, including a €400 Carer’s Support Payment, a second double Child Benefit payment, and the Christmas Bonus in early December.

This suite of lump sum payments means that people will have extra money in their pockets, which will ease the pressure and stress that many households are facing.”

These lump-sum payments are just one part of Budget 2025’s social protection strategy. The full details of upcoming payments and other budget measures are available at Gov.ie/dspbudget2025.