Surprise social welfare change benefitting thousands set to happen this week

An unexpected, yet pleasant surprise

Thousands of social welfare recipients across Ireland will see several payments arrive earlier than usual ahead of the upcoming October bank holiday.

Monday, October 27, is Ireland's next public holiday, meaning that many workplaces, including banks, post offices, and Intreo centres, will all be closed.

Therefore, anyone who usually receives their payment on a Monday will receive it a tad earlier this time around, more specifically on Friday, October 24 or Saturday, October 25.

This change will apply to a broad range of welfare supporters, however, it will not affect Child Benefit, as the bank holiday falls at the end of the month, and Child Benefit is typically paid on the first Tuesday, which will be November 4 this go-round.

Child Benefit is a monthly payment of €140 to parents or guardians of children under the age of 16. Child Benefit is also possible for children aged 16, 17, and 18 if they are in full-time education or full-time training, or have a disability and cannot support themselves, per The Irish Mirror.

The social welfare payment schedule will return to normal on Tuesday (October 28) following the bank holiday weekend.

The change follows a hectic period of welfare updates, following the Government's recent Budget 2026 announcements.

As a result of the new measures, the Christmas Bonus will again be paid in December 2025 to around 1.5 million long-term welfare recipients, worth 100% of their weekly payment, per The Irish Mirror.

Additionally, a €10 increase in core social welfare payments will take effect from January 2026. The Carer's Allowance income disregard is also set to rise, as well as the Domiciliary Care Allowance by €20, bringing it to €380 per month.

Families will also benefit from the extension of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which now includes two and three-year-olds, and with the Fuel Allowance scheme will be expanded to cover Working Family Payment recipients.

The weekly Fuel Allowance will also rise from €33 to €38.

An exact date for the Christmas Bonus has not yet been confirmed by the Department of Social Protection, however, based on previous years, it is believed to be paid during the week beginning Monday, December 1.