More than 414,000 households in receipt of the fuel allowance will see a €5 increase, bringing weekly payments to €38. Photograph: Stephen Collins/CollinsMore than 1.5 million people in receipt of core weekly social welfare payments are to receive an average of €520 more this year as part of a €1 billion package. The increases agreed under Budget 2026 will take effect from Thursday and will see a €10 uplift in the maximum rate of all core weekly payments. This will benefit more than 1.5 million people, including pensioners, carers, those with disabilities, and jobseekers, according to the Department of Social Protection. Separately, the income thresholds for the working family payment will increase by €60 per week for all family sizes.

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 06:37 UTC