Christmas bonus to benefit 1.2 million

The Government’s €139m Christmas welfare bonus will benefit 1.2 million weekly recipients, it emerged today.

The Minister for Social Affairs Seamus Brennan said the double payments, due to be paid in the first week of December, will help people meet the costs of seasonal bills.

Mr Brennan said: “This bonus payment is relied on by hundreds of thousands of people, and is a lifeline at this time of year as spending pressures increase.

“This Government is harnessing the fruits of economic success and channelling much of it to help those who are struggling and feel marginalised.”

Eligible benefits include State Pensions, Invalidity Pension, Widow/Widower’s Pension, One Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife’s Benefit and Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Allowance, Disability Allowance, Farm Assist, long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance and a number of other employment support payments.