Published on Monday23rdNovember2015
Christmas Bonus to benefit pensioners, carers and vulnerable groups
Tanaiste Joan Burton signs the Regulations which provide for the 75% Christmas Bonus to be paid
Tánaiste Joan Burton and Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin today announced details of the Christmas Bonus that will directly benefit 1.2 million social welfare customers and their dependants. The bonus will be paid during the first week of December.
As announced in the Budget, pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents and people who are long-term unemployed will receive a Bonus of 75% this year. Abolished in 2009 by the previous Government, the Christmas Bonus was partially restored by the Tánaiste last year and is being increased this year.
Today, the Tánaiste and Minister Howlin signed the Regulations which provide for the 75% Christmas Bonus to be paid.
On signing the Regulations, the Tánaiste said:
The bonus is not just a welcome assistance to retired people at a financially stressful time of year. It also helps a range of other vulnerable people – including lone parents, long-term jobseekers, carers and people with disabilities. And important, the bonus is spent within the local economy. So it provides a boost not only for the individuals and families who receive it, but also for local businesses and the community.
Minister Howlin added:
We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of recovery are shared across society and so I am delighted that our continued economic progress has enabled us to pay a 75% Christmas Bonus to social welfare recipients this year.
Read the full press release here.