Thousands of people will be paid early

The Department of Social Protection has announced that thousands of people will receive their payments early in December to accommodate the holiday closures.  

"If you get a social welfare payment, the date which you receive your payment may change during the Christmas and New Year period," the department explained in a statement on its website. 

"Details of all payment arrangements for this period are provided below."  

Key Changes

• 16th–20th December 2024: No changes to payment dates
• 23rd–27th December 2024: Payments will be made during the week starting 16th December, with advance payments covering the holiday period
• 1st January 2025: Payments for this date will be issued on 31st December 2024

The department has also highlighted that part-time, casual, and short-time workers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit may be affected. 

To ensure timely payments, claimants should submit their work patterns correctly via MyWelfare.ie. 

Payments for the weeks ending 17th and 24th December (Jobseeker’s Allowance) or 18th and 25th December (Jobseeker’s Benefit) will be combined and issued on 20th December.  

Regular payment schedules will resume the week of 7th January 2025.  

Child Benefit Unaffected  

Child Benefit payments remain unchanged and will be issued as scheduled on 7th January 2025, when banks and post offices reopen.  

To avoid confusion, recipients are urged to double-check these changes and plan accordingly. 

For more details, visit the Department of Social Protection’s website.

READ MORE:

• Legendary Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died
• Gardaí seek public’s help in locating Cork woman who's been missing one week
• Weather advisory issued for all of Ireland over possible snow