Social welfare payments to be paid early ahead of August bank holiday weekend

Monday social welfare payments to be issued early before August bank holiday. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Social welfare payment dates are set to change ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, with Monday payments to be issued early.

According to the Department of Social Protection, all social welfare payments normally due on Monday, August 3, will instead be paid on Friday, July 31, because of the bank holiday.

All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Monday, August 3.

Normal services will resume on Tuesday.

Back to School Allowance

Separately, social protection minister Dara Calleary urged eligible families to apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

The allowance is designed to help parents and guardians meet the cost of school uniforms and footwear for children attending school.

Parents or guardians of children aged between two and 19 can apply for the scheme. Eligible children aged between two and 11 can receive €160, while eligible secondary school students can receive up to €285.

Eligibility is determined through a means test.

Almost €50 million was paid to 126,000 families in respect of 233,000 children during the last academic year.

Approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year following a reduction in the minimum qualifying age.

The scheme will remain open until September 30.