REVEALED: When will Christmas and New Year social welfare payments be issued?

The Minister for Social Protection has confirmed details of Christmas and New Year payments for social welfare recipients. 

Minister Heather Humphreys published the payment schedule today (December 15), confirming payments issued on two key dates will change over festive period. 

According to the minister, if you receive a weekly social welfare payment, you will get your payment as usual during the week commencing Monday December 18 and an advanced payment for the following week. 

This applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your financial institution account. 

Payments due on December 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 will see no change, with double payment issues covering the week commencing December 18 and 25. 

Payments due on December 23, 24, 25 will be made on December 22, while payments due on January 1 2024 will instead be made on December 29, 2023. 

Minister Humphreys said, "I would like to advise people to be mindful that the dates of their payments may change over the Christmas period. 

"I’m therefore today setting out the payment schedule so that everyone knows in advance when a payment from my Department is due.

"Christmas is a time for celebration, enjoyment and relaxation, particularly for families and children. But I know it can be a stressful time too.

"My Department will continue to roll-out millions of payments over the Christmas and New Year period, supporting the likes of our pensioners, carers and people with disabilities. 

"I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." 

If you are leaving the state over the Christmas period and you are getting income support from the Department of Social Protection, you should let the Department know of your absence in advance of travel. You can do this by visiting your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.

All department offices, including Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Monday December 25 and Tuesday December 26, as well as Monday January 1 2024.