NATIONAL: Three lump-sum cost of living payments to be made this week

THREE lump-sum supports will be paid this week to help households with the cost of living crisis.

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the details of three cost of living lump sum payments being paid this week.

These supports are the first of a total of nine lump sum payments that will be paid between November 2023 and January 2024.

The Lump-Sum payments being paid this week are a €300 Fuel Allowance Lump Sum Payment will be paid to 409,000 households throughout the week (payment day differs per recipient).

From Wednesday, November 22 to Friday, November 24, a €400 Disability Support Grant will be paid to 214,000 people with disabilities who receive Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or the Blind Pension.

On Thursday, November 23, a €400 lump sum Working Family Payment will be paid to 45,000 families.

People will receive the lump sum payments in addition to and on the same day that they usually receive their primary payment.

In relation to the lump sum payments, Minister Humphreys said: “The Government is conscious that the cost of living crisis continues to impact families the length and breadth of the country. This week, we are rolling out the first three of the lump sum payments that I secured as part of Budget 2024. This will see some 409,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance receive a €300 lump sum. In addition, some 45,000 families that receive the Working Family Payment will get a lump sum of €400, and 214,000 people with disabilities will also receive a €400 lump sum payment."

In addition to the series of lump-sum payments, Minister Humphreys also secured across-the-board welfare increases of €12 per week from January 2024, and a range of targeted measures to take effect throughout 2024.