In a monumental move to address the rising cost of living and provide essential assistance to pensioners, carers, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has unveiled an impressive €2.3 billion budget package.
Key Highlights of Budget 2024:
1. Lump Sum Payments: Easing Financial Strain
- Double Payment of Child Benefit in December: Families receiving Child Benefit will receive a double payment in December 2023, providing vital financial support during the holiday season.
- €400 Disability and Carer’s Lump Sum in November: Carers and those with disabilities will benefit from a one-time payment of €400 in November 2023, acknowledging their invaluable dedication and care.
- €400 Lump Sum for Working Family Payment Recipients in November: Families receiving the Working Family Payment will receive an extra €400 in November 2023, recognizing their efforts to balance work and family responsibilities.
- €300 Fuel Allowance Lump Sum in November: As winter approaches, a lump sum payment of €300 will be provided to households receiving the Fuel Allowance in November 2023, helping them keep warm during the colder months.
- €200 Lump Sum for Those in Receipt of the Living Alone Increase: Individuals living alone will receive an additional €200 in November 2023, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
- €100 Per Child Once-off Payment for Qualified Child Increase: Families who receive an Increase for a Qualified Child on their Social Welfare Payment will receive a once-off payment of €100 per child in November 2023.
- Christmas Bonus and Cost of Living Bonus: These bonuses will provide financial relief to 1.3 million people, including pensioners, carers, individuals with disabilities, jobseekers, and families, during the holiday season and into the new year.
2. Weekly Payment Increases: Enhancing Financial Security
- Across-the-Board Increases of €12 Per Week: Starting from January 2024, weekly payments will see a consistent increase of €12, benefiting pensioners, lone parents, jobseekers, carers, and individuals with disabilities.
3. Other Key Measures:
- Carers Allowance Earnings Disregard Increased: The Carers Allowance Earnings Disregard will rise to €450 for single individuals and €900 for couples.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance Increased: The Domiciliary Care Allowance will see an increase of €10, bringing it to €340 per month from January 2024.
- Free Travel Scheme Extended: From July 2024, the Free Travel scheme will be extended to people who are medically certified as unfit to drive.
- Wage Subsidy Scheme Threshold Reduced: The minimum weekly hours threshold for employers to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme will be reduced from 21 to 15 hours.
- Expansion of Hot School Meals Scheme: The Hot School Meals scheme will be extended to an additional 900 Primary Schools that responded to the Expression of Interest.
- Working Family Payment Thresholds Increased: Starting in January 2024, the Working Family Payment thresholds for all family sizes will rise by €54.
- Parent’s Benefit Extended: Parent’s Benefit will be extended from 7 to 9 weeks, beginning in August 2024.
- Child Benefit Extended: Child Benefit will now be extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education, starting in September 2024.
4. Future Initiatives: A Pay-Related Jobseekers Benefit
In the fourth quarter of 2024, a new Pay-Related Jobseekers Benefit scheme will be introduced. This initiative will link a person’s jobseeker’s payment to their previous earnings and work history, softening the financial impact if they suddenly lose their job.
A Strong Commitment to Support
Budget 2024’s extensive measures reflect the government’s unwavering dedication to assisting those in need and addressing the financial challenges brought about by the cost of living. These changes aim to alleviate financial burdens while empowering individuals and families to lead better lives. Stay tuned for further details and updates as part of the Social Welfare Bill later this year.
For the latest information on Budget 2024 and its impact, follow What’s Going On Ireland on TikTok and visit whatsgoingonireland.ie.
Lump Sum Payments
Clare is it if u get weekly fule do u get the lump some aswell
Yes you do 🙂
The fual allowance lump sum is this been paid to people that are on the household benefit package that is paid at €35 pm
If you get the 33euro per week or the lump sum, them you will get this bonus
Hi delighted yo join your community Valerie Canavan
Hi Claire
Delighted to be part of your new project, I live alone im nearly 60 years old and not very tech savvy, do you know of anyone one or organisation who can help with filling out HAP application as I’m going to be homeless in the next few months, I can’t find any where to rent, everywhere I go it’s forms or websites
Thank you
Kathy
Westmeath
Hey , If you contact your county council and explain your position they should assist you or even your local TDs office, the administration staff could help or advise you
Is their any more on the 3 tiers for the people on disability allowance?
Christmas Bonus and January Cost of Living Bonus what does this mean?
Hi Claire, is there a date for when the means limit for carers will change?
Het , yes the details are listed with each experience
Hi Claire,
I am self employed, i am paying universal charge and i know many others the don’t pay. My accountant told me to pay it but i still i don’t know what benefits for pay it?can i stop it?thanks.
I would defiantly follow the advise of your accountant