Social welfare recipients can expect Christmas bonus payment from December 6th

The day of the payment depends on what day of the week claimants usually receive their social welfare.

The annual bonus is based on the type of payment and how much it is. The Christmas bonus is double the weekly payment and is offered in a bid to help those receiving welfare meet the cost of the festive season.

People receiving two eligible social welfare payments get the Christmas bonus for both.

Those who receive Domiciliary Care Allowance, will get their bonus payment along with their monthly payment for December.

Social Welfare recipients who claim Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will qualify for a Christmas Bonus, if they have been getting their jobseeker’s payment (or a combination of qualifying payments) for at least 312 days.

Claimants in receipt of Back to Education Allowance and Back to Work Enterprise Allowance coming from jobseeker's payments need to be getting the Allowance for at least 12 months (312 days), but may be able to use time on jobseeker’s payment to help qualify.

Other payment types that qualify for the Christmas bonus payment include Back to Work Family Dividend, Benefit payment for 65 year olds, Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit, Deserted Wife’s Allowance and Benefit as well as people claiming Farm Assist and Jobseeker's Transitional.

Those on pensions such as Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension, and State Pension will also be eligible as are those claiming Widow, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory).

Claimants in receipt of Daily Expenses Allowance, formerly called Direct Provision Allowance for 12 months or more will also receive a 100% bonus.

People claiming Disability Allowance, Disablement Pension, Guardian's Payment (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory), Magdalene Laundry Payment, One-Parent Family Payment and Partial Capacity Benefit are also eligible as are those receiving Supplementary Welfare Allowance for 12 months, Rural Social Scheme and Tús.

Recipients of VTOS Allowance for people coming from jobseeker's payments will also be given a bonus, as long as they have been in receipt of the Allowance for at least 15 months.