Some major social welfare payment changes are expected within weeks as new Budget 2023 measures come into force.
The annual announcement took place back in October but some of the proposed changes have yet to come into effect.
Many of the new measures cover social welfare, with some well-needed payment hikes due to begin from January 2023 amid the cost of living crisis.
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There has also been a warning for social welfare recipients to stay alert to payment date changes over the Christmas period.
Here is everything you need to know:
January 2023 changes
A host of Budget 2023 schemes will finally come into force at the start of next month with social welfare recipients in for hikes.
Households will receive two further energy credits of €200 each in the New Year to help heat their homes over winter - one in January and the second in March.
The minimum wage will rise by 80c to €11.30 per hour.
All social welfare recipients will see an increase of €12 per week, in January, which amounts to €624 across the year.
There will also be increases for qualified adults and people on reduced rates of payment in January. Those aged 25 and under who are getting a reduced rate of Jobseeker's Allowance will also get the full €12 increase.
The weekly rate for a qualified child will increase by €2 bringing the new amount to €42 a week for children under 12 years and €50 a week for children aged 12 years and over.
The Fuel Allowance income threshold will increase in January from €120 to €200 above the applicable State Pension (Contributory) rate for people aged under 70.
Anyone aged 70 and over can qualify for Fuel Allowance as long as their weekly means (including State Pension) is not above €500 per week for a single person and €1,000 per week for a couple.
Disablement Benefit and half-rate Carer’s Allowance will be disregarded in the means test for Fuel Allowance.
The income limits for the Working Family Payment will increase by €40 across all family sizes in the New Year.
The amount that those getting the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension can earn without their payment being affected will rise from €140 to €165 in January.
The Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) will rise by €20.50 from €309.50 to €330 in the New Year. DCA will also be available for babies who remain in an acute hospital after birth for a period of 6 months.
Christmas payment date warning
Thousands of social welfare recipients are being reminded that the ‘double pay date’ ahead of Christmas will be followed by a week of no payments to facilitate the festive closures.
The Department of Social Protection told weekly social welfare recipients that the date they usually receive their payment may change during the Christmas and New Year period.
This is down to the Post Office and Banks closures that will occur over the next few days.
Here are the changes to weekly payments, confirmed by the Department of Social Protection:
- Payment due: December 19, 20, 21 - No change
- Payment due: December 22 - Paid out: December 21
- Payment due: December 23 - Paid out: December 22
- Payment due: January 2 - Paid out: December 30
Weekly payments will be paid on their normal scheduled dates from January 3, 2023.
All welfare and state pension recipients that are paid weekly will receive a double payment before the holidays - but this 'double payment' is not to be confused with the Christmas Bonus.
This is the usual social welfare weekly payment and an advance payment for the following week, as it is then followed by a week with no payments.
The Christmas double payment will be paid out the week beginning Monday, December 19 and applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your bank account.
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