The beginning of 2025 brings several changes to Ireland’s social welfare system. While these measures aim to provide some relief amidst a worsening cost-of-living crisis, many argue they fall short of addressing the root issues faced by families and vulnerable individuals. Below, we outline the changes Social Welfare Changes Effective January 2025 Key Payment Increases …
Maternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed people who are: Understanding Maternity Benefit If you are eligible for full-rate Maternity Benefit, you will receive €274 a week for 26 weeks (156 days). If you already receive certain social welfare payments, you may get half-rate Maternity Benefit, which is €137 per week. How to …
The Part-Time Job Incentive (PTJI) Scheme allows those receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) to engage in part-time work and receive a special weekly allowance instead of their jobseeker’s payment. It serves as a transition towards full-time employment, requiring participants to remain available for and seek full-time work while on the PTJI Scheme. Part Time Jobseekers Incentive …
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a crucial financial aid aimed at assisting families with the added expenses of clothing and footwear as children prepare to return to school each autumn. This means-tested, once-off payment is available to eligible families between June 1st and September 30th every year. Back to School Clothing …
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has introduced landmark legislation aimed at reforming Ireland’s child maintenance system. The legislation, now signed into law by the President, brings about significant changes to support lone parents and reduce child poverty. Child Maintenance Disregard Update Key Changes Introduced: Minister Humphreys’ Statement: Important Note: This legislation, originally due …
Starting from May 1st, 2024, the Child Benefit scheme in Ireland is being extended to include 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or have a disability. This means that families with children in these categories will continue to receive Child Benefit until their child turns 19. Here’s what you need to know about this change: …
Child Benefit Extended to 18-Year-Olds: What You Need to Know Read More »
Child Benefit, a vital support for families, is undergoing changes, particularly concerning when it’s paid and who it’s paid to. Here’s what you need to know: Child Benefit: Updates for Families Amount and Payment Schedule: Child Benefit is a monthly payment of €140 per child, providing consistent support for families. It’s paid on the first …
For individuals relying on Jobseeker’s payments as a vital weekly income, the prospect of transitioning to employment can be daunting, especially when faced with the financial gap between the last Jobseeker’s payment and the first paycheck from work. This gap, often stretching multiple weeks for those paid monthly, poses challenges in meeting basic needs such …
In recent times, there has been a surge in reviews for individuals receiving social welfare payments, prompting questions about the powers of Social Welfare Inspectors, especially during home visits. It’s crucial to understand that these inspectors operate under a strict code of practice outlined in the Customer Charter, which emphasizes treating individuals equally, fairly, with …
Social Welfare Home Inspections: Your Rights and Their Powers Read More »
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business, but you’re not sure where to start? The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) is here to help! Let’s break down what this support. Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) What is STEA? The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) is like a helping hand for people who want to begin their …
