Budget 2025: No rationale to increase social welfare rates for long-term unemployed

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has indicated a focus will be on increasing payment rates to carers, pensioners and people with disabilities

Ms Humphreys also signalled parents could be in line for a double child benefit payment this Christmas, describing the measure as being 'extremely popular' last year.

There is no rationale to increase social welfare rates for the long-term unemployed in the upcoming budget, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has said.

Ms Humphreys has indicated a focus will be on increasing payment rates to carers, pensioners and people with disabilities, instead of across-the-board social welfare hikes.