Ireland Approves Social Welfare Increase: Ireland has rolled out a series of social welfare increases effective June 2025, aiming to support families, carers, and low-income households amid rising living costs. These changes, part of Budget 2025, include higher weekly payments, expanded child benefits, and early disbursements due to the June bank holiday.
Ireland Approves Social Welfare Increase
The June 2025 social welfare increases in Ireland provide significant financial support to families, carers, and low-income households. With higher weekly payments, extended child benefits, and early disbursements due to the bank holiday, these changes aim to alleviate financial pressures and support the well-being of citizens.
| Change | New Amount | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Social Welfare Increase | +€12/week | March 2025 |
| Child Benefit Extension | Up to age 19 in full-time education | January 2025 |
| Carer’s Support Grant | €2,000 (up from €1,850) | June 5, 2025 |
| Back to School Allowance | €160–€285 per child | Applications open June 2025 |
| Early Payment Due to Bank Holiday | Payments scheduled for June 2 paid early | May 30, 2025 |
| Newborn Baby Grant | €280 one-off payment | For births after Dec 1, 2024 |
| Office Resource | Citizens Information |
Weekly Social Welfare Increases
Starting March 2025, most weekly social welfare payments have increased by €12, benefiting over 1.4 million recipients. This includes payments like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, and State Pension. Qualified Adult rates have also seen proportional increases.
Child and Family Benefits
Child Benefit Extension
The Child Benefit of €140 per month now extends up to a child’s 19th birthday, provided they are in full-time education or have a disability.
Newborn Baby Grant
Families with children born on or after December 1, 2024, are eligible for a €280 one-off grant, in addition to the first month’s Child Benefit.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA)
To assist with school-related expenses, the BSCFA offers:
- €160 for children aged 4–11
- €285 for children aged 12–22 in full-time education
Applications open in June 2025 and close on September 30, 2025.
Support for Carers
Carer’s Support Grant
The Carer’s Support Grant has increased from €1,850 to €2,000 and will be paid on June 5, 2025. This annual, non-means-tested grant supports individuals providing full-time care.
Income Disregard Increase
From July 2025, the income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will rise to:
- €625 per week for single carers
- €1,250 per week for couples
This change aims to allow carers to earn more without affecting their allowance.
Ireland Approves Social Welfare Increase: Payment Schedule Adjustments for June 2025
Due to the June bank holiday on Monday, June 2, social welfare payments scheduled for that day will be issued early, on Friday, May 30. This includes payments like Child Benefit and the Newborn Baby Grant, typically made on the first Tuesday of each month.
Additional Support Measures
Working Family Payment
The income threshold for the Working Family Payment has increased by €60 per week, regardless of family size, effective from January 2025.
Domiciliary Care Allowance
The Domiciliary Care Allowance has increased by €20 per month from January 2025, providing additional support to families of children with disabilities.
Fuel Allowance
A €300 lump sum payment will be issued to eligible households in November 2024, helping with heating costs during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the Carer’s Support Grant be paid?
A: The Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000 will be paid on June 5, 2025.
Q2: Who is eligible for the Newborn Baby Grant?
A: Families with children born on or after December 1, 2024, are eligible for a €280 one-off grant, in addition to the first month’s Child Benefit.
Q3: How do I apply for the Back to School Allowance?
A: Applications open in June 2025 and close on September 30, 2025. Those already receiving Child Support Payments will receive it automatically.
Q4: Will my social welfare payment be early due to the June bank holiday?
A: Yes, payments scheduled for Monday, June 2, will be issued early, on Friday, May 30.
