The Government has revealed the payment dates for the €1.2 billion worth of lump sum social protection supports announced in last month's Budget.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath have set out the details of the eight different lump sums that will be paid between now and Christmas.
The Autumn double payment will kick in from next Monday 17 October, benefitting 1.4 million people.
A double child benefit payment will be paid on the week beginning 1 November.
The fuel allowance lump sum of €400 will kick in during the week commencing 14 November.
Cabinet has signed off on dates for Budget cost of living payments @rtenews pic.twitter.com/RYe7TCy6Wn
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) October 11, 2022
Also from 14 November, a €200 lump sum payment will be made to 234,000 people in receipt of the living alone allowance, there will be a €500 cost of living payment made to those in receipt of the working family payment, and a €500 disability support grant will also be paid that week.
From 21 November, a €500 payment will be made to over 130,000 carers in receipt of the carers support grant.
The annual Christmas bonus double payment will be paid the week commencing 5 December.
A major expansion of the fuel allowance scheme and across-the-board welfare increases of €12 per week will take effect in January 2023.
Minister Humphreys said the cost of living payments confirmed today were "unprecedented" and would help 1.5 million households between now and Christmas.
Meanwhile, Mr McGrath said the question of further payments will be kept under review by the Government given the level of uncertainty and volatility.
He said the public finances are very healthy and the surplus gives the Government capacity for further interventions if required.
Mr McGrath said the first electricity credit would be paid in "November/December" but no specific dates have been agreed yet.
This appears to be slightly later than the November timeframe announced at Budget time.
He said it would depend on the billing cycle of individual customers and it would also apply to pay-as-you-go customers.
On the prospect of an eviction ban, Mr McGrath said no decision has yet been taking and he did not want to speculate.
Additional reporting Sandra Hurley
