The Government has announced several social welfare supports as part of Budget 2023 today.
These measures have been presented to help families struggling to make ends meet due to rising costs. The total cost of the Budget is €11 billion.
Here are all the changes to social welfare payments that were announced in the Dail today:
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Social welfare payments
Social welfare payments are set to jump by €12 a week from January 2023. This move comes after the Government rejected proposals to increase the payment by €20 a week saying the cost would take away from other measures such as fuel allowance.
Double payments
Welfare recipients will receive a double payment prior to Christmas 2022. This support is put in place as part of the cost-of-living package.
Additionally, the payment will also be given to pensioners.
Child benefit payment
Families with children will receive double child benefit payment of €140 per child.
Childcare costs
Childcare costs will be lowered in a huge relief to parents as fees will be lowered by at least 50% in the coming years. Families who have children enrolled in childcare facilities would gradually have costs reduced, starting out at a 25% decrease for one year before moving on to a 50% drop by 2024.
Pensions
Pension hikes have been announced for those who retire when they are 70. This new radical plan will see five different rates of state pension depending on when workers retire.
People who retire at age 66 will receive a minimum of €253 under the tiered system, while people who leave work at 70 can expect €315 weekly. Additionally, the pension will increase by a minimum of €10 weekly.
Energy credits
The Government has announced a €600 energy grant to help households combat rising electricity bills. Three credits of €200 each will be issued.
Fuel allowance
Households will receive a fuel allowance of €924 to tackle rising energy bills. People can choose between a weekly energy payment of €33 weekly to target their bills or two lump sums.
The first lump sum will be provided this month and is worth €462, before people get a repeat payment of the same amount in January 2023.
Disability allowance
People will on disability allowance will be entitled to a once-off €500 lump sum payment to be made this year.
Students
Students will receive a once-off reduction of €1,000 on third-level fees for the education year of 2022-2023.
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