Increases to social welfare and post-Christmas payment dates in Ireland revealed

Social welfare payments that are typically received by Irish people around Christmas and New Year have been adjusted to different dates. 

If you were expecting a payment on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or St Stephen’s Day, you should have received that during the week commencing December 15. 

If your payment is due on January 1, you will receive this early too.

It will be paid on December 31 instead.

These changes apply whether you get paid at the local post office, by cheque, or directly into your bank account. 

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A welcome announcement for 2026 is that the rate of most weekly social welfare payments will increase by €10. 

Child Support Payments will increase by €8 per week jumping from €50 to €58 for children under 12.

An increase of €16 will be put in place for children aged over 12, meaning the payment will jump from €62 or €78. 

Working Family Payment income limits will increase by €60 a week for all family sizes from January.

Fuel Allowance will see an increase of €5 to €38 per week, and those receiving the Working Family Payment will also become eligible for the Fuel Allowance. 

A Christmas bonus, which is the equivalent of 100% of your payment, should have been paid in December if you are eligible for one.

Other payment changes that were announced in Budget 2026 will be introduced later in the year.