Double Child Benefit Payment Today For 650,000 Families

Around 650,000 families receive a double child benefit payment today to assist with the cost of living.

The measure means that €280 per child will be paid in respect of over 1.2 million children across the State.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am very conscious of the pressure families are under particularly in the run up to Christmas.

“Child benefit is one of the few tools within the Department of Social Protection that I can use to support working families.

“I know from my days working in the Credit Union how much families depend on the monthly child benefit payment and I am delighted to announce details of this double payment today which will support hundreds of thousands of hardworking families across the country.”

Minister Humphreys also announced yesterday the details for the Christmas bonus, which will be paid to approximately 1.3 million people this week including pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

People receiving social welfare payments will get the Christmas bonus on the same day that they usually receive their weekly primary payment.

Minister Humphreys said: “Christmas is a very special time of the year, but it can be an expensive period for individuals and families.

“I am pleased to announce the details of the Christmas Bonus Payments today. Over 1.3 million people will benefit including our pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, and lone parents.

“The Christmas Bonus is a vital support, particularly for our senior citizens. People will receive their Bonus payment on the same day that they usually receive their weekly pension or other primary payment.

“As always, I would encourage people, where possible, to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas this year.”