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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Pension hikes of €12 still a ‘target' even as ministers walk back tax cut promises
Despite warnings of tighter purse strings and little to no tax cuts, ministers believe a €12 weekly increase in the pension 'has to be a target' and should announced as part of Budget 2026 in October. Government leaders are warning rising tensions in the Middle East and tariff threats from US president Donald Trump will mean a cautious approach is needed in the coming months. But both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael promised before the election that they would increase the pension to €350 per week over the next five years. That means annual increases of €12 on average. And while ministers appear prepared to backtrack on promised income tax cuts, a boost for pensioners is still very much in play. 'It has to be the target, because it'll be thrown against us if it's not. But at this stage, I doubt we'll be going against that,' one minister said. 'Everything we're being told at this stage is the envelope is going to be much tighter.' A weekly pension hike would spark a debate about what other social welfare payments, such as jobseeker's allowance, would also go up. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is understood to be keen on payments targeting children in poverty and the disabled. While splitting child benefit into two tiers is being considered, it is viewed as a difficult and costly exercise. Targeted payments for less well-off families, such as the Working Family Payment, are viewed by some within the Government as being a more likely system of providing extra cash to families who need it most. Yet a second tier of child benefit would be the 'most effective' way to tackle child poverty, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) will tell the Oireachtas social protection committee today. At a cost of €773m per year to the taxpayer, it would reduce the child at risk of poverty rate by 4.6 percentage points, the child material deprivation rate by 0.7 percentage points and the child consistent poverty rate by 2.1 percentage points. 'Our analysis suggests that any such reform should be designed carefully to avoid income losses for some households,' the ESRI's Karina Doorley will tell TDs and senators. 'The effects of a second tier of child benefit on work incentives should also be investigated to ensure they do not overly discourage employment.' Ministers do not expect any once-off cost-of-living payments under Budget 2026 but it is almost certain to include a 9pc Vat rate for hospitality. 'This will see people buying the second coffee, eating out and spending more and keeping jobs,' one minister said. 'The Budget will recognise there is no longer a cost-of-living crisis. The €12 weekly increase to pensions and other welfare rates is in line with inflation.'
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Around 2,300 foster children expected to benefit from Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary is expected to bring a memo to the Government tomorrow to extend the initiative to include foster families. It is estimated around 2,300 children in foster care will now qualify for the BSCFA. The once-off payment offers help to families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear. It is deemed particularly vital during a time of inflation. The payment for 2025 is €160 for a child who is aged from four to 11, and €285 for those aged from 12 to 22. To qualify children and young adults must be between these ages on or before September 30, 2025. Students aged between 18 and 22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in autumn 2025. Last September, the issue was raised by Independent TD Michael Lowry, who asked the then children's minister Roderic O'Gorman if he would ensure foster families were paid the benefit. Mr O'Gorman said at that time Heather Humphreys, whose brief was social protection, had 'informed' him that: 'The BSCFA is not payable in respect of foster children, as the financial support provided to foster parents by Tusla, the Foster Care Allowance, includes provision for the cost of clothing and footwear for the foster child.' Mr O'Gorman had at that point said that the rates for the Foster Care Allowance were to rise to €400 a week for a child under 12 and to €425 for those over 12. Families are being reminded the application window to apply for the benefit is now open until September 30. The social welfare payment is a once-off annual means-tested payment. ADVERTISEMENT Applications can be filled out online at My Welfare or families can request a form is sent to them in the post. Those who qualify for the scheme must be receiving a social welfare payment from the Department of Social Protection already, such as carer's allowance or benefit; Supplementary Welfare Allowance, disability allowance; One Parent Family Allowance; Working Family Payment; or jobseeker's allowance or benefit. Others can also qualify, if their household is within the BSCFA income limits, or if they are in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. The weekly income limits to qualify for the scheme for one child are €694. For two children, the income limit is €756. The limit is €818 for three children and €880 for four children.
Irish Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
How to get €285 social welfare payment even if you have a full time job
The cost of living crisis continues to affect many households across Ireland. With prices soaring on everything from groceries to electricity, a lot of people will be seeking supports to help ease the financial pressure. One common misconception about social welfare is that if you're working, you can't claim any payments. But that's not true. In fact, there are several supports available, even if you have a full time job. One of the key schemes, which has now opened for applications, is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which could see eligible people receive a once-off payment worth hundreds of euros to help cover the cost of school essentials this year. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary announced today that over €54 million has been allocated for this year's scheme, which will benefit more than 114,000 families across Ireland. The payment rates for 2025 are €160 for children aged four to 11 (on or before September 30), and €285 for children aged 12 (on or before September 30) and over who are in second-level education. Students aged between 18 and 22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2025 to retain an entitlement to the payment. Minister Calleary said: "I am delighted to announce that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for 2025 opens for applications today. I recognise the pressure that families are under in relation to back-to-school costs and have secured €54.4 million for the scheme this year." Even if you work full-time, you could still be eligible for the scheme. To qualify, your household income must fall within certain limits, and you must be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment or taking part in an approved employment, training or education scheme. Having a job doesn't automatically exclude you. Some payments like Working Family Payment and the Back to Work Family Dividend are not counted in the means test. Most payments will be made automatically, with no need to apply, and they will be issued during the week starting Monday, July 14. Confirmation of automatic payments will be sent via MyWelfare accounts or by post, but if you don't receive notification of an automatic payment, apply online at even if you received a payment last year. Applications opened on June 9 and the deadline to apply is September 30. Minister Calleary urged everyone to check their eligibility and encouraged families to act if they think they qualify. He said: "More than 75% of payments under this scheme will be paid without the need to make an application. My Department will issue automatic payments to more than 114,000 families in July and I would urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme." For questions or support, dedicated phone lines (071-9193318 and 0818-11-11-13) are available during regular business hours, or email bscfa@ More information about the scheme and eligibility criteria can be found at or on Citizen's Information. A county-by-county breakdown shows Dublin leads with over 30,000 families receiving automatic payments, followed by Cork and Galway. Dublin: 30,454 Cork: 10,733 Galway: 5,068 Donegal: 5,064 Limerick: 5,067 Louth: 4,695 Kildare: 4,676 Wexford: 4,628 Tipperary: 4,192 Meath: 4,020 Kerry: 3,688 Waterford: 3,601 Wicklow: 3,248 Mayo: 3,262 Clare: 2,572 Westmeath: 2,446 Laois: 2,131 Offaly: 2,130 Carlow: 1,906 Cavan: 1,906 Kilkenny: 1,720 Sligo: 1,634 Roscommon: 1,504 Monaghan: 1,551 Longford: 1,545 Leitrim: 970 Total automatic payments nationwide: 114,411 families.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Another 19,000 Irish families could qualify for extra €924 social welfare cash under new rule change – are you eligible?
A €924 social welfare payment could be available to thousands of Irish families in a few months as the government considers expanding eligibility rules of the payment in the next budget. The Department of Social Protection hinted that As outlined in the Programme for Government earlier this year, Department officials were asked to review and research the extension of eligibility for the The review includes an analysis of the impact that a "potential extension of eligibility" would have on lone parent households. Fuel Allowance, which is designed to help people with the cost of heating their home in the winter months, is paid out at a rate of €33 weekly or in two lump sums of €462 each in September and January. And Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary last week confirmed he will "carefully consider" the new review into the extension of the payment. READ MORE IN MONEY Thousands more people qualified for the scheme this year after the government reduced the eligibility age by four years in the budget. "The updating of the report is still ongoing and when finished, I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain as part of the budget planning process. "Any decisions to expand for the Fuel Allowance to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Currently, the weekly €33 Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. Little known social welfare benefits thousands are entitled to And some 19,641 Working Family Payment claims were awarded to Irish parents last year, it has been confirmed. New rules introduced in Budget 2025 saw the payment extended to those aged 66 and over. The means test disregard was previously for over 70s. Now, people aged under 66 will have to meet certain eligibility requirements for the payment. This includes living alone or living with specific people or getting a qualifying means payment. People on the Carer's Allowance were also deemed eligible for the Fuel Allowance boost, providing they meet the criteria. And the Programme for Government has confirmed eligibility may be extended those in receipt of the Working Family Payment in Budget 2026. WORKING FAMILY PAYMENT RULES PARENTS can get a weekly tax-free WFP payment if they are an employee and: Work 38 or more hours per fortnight. You can combine your weekly hours with your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's hours to meet this condition. You cannot use time spent in self-employment or on Community Employment. Your job is likely to last at least three months You have at least one child, aged under 18, who normally lives with you You earn less than the WFP income limit set for your family size Those eligible must pay tax and Under EU regulations, you may be able to claim WFP if your children live abroad and depend on you. WFP is paid for one year, 52 weeks, as long as you meet the conditions. Minister Calleary said those who qualify for WFP must be working a minimum of "eight hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them". People cannot avail of the scheme if they are With the WFP payment, you get 60 per cent of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size. Over 24,000 people have applied for the social welfare payment so far this year, with 19,641 claims being rewarded. The average time for new claims to be rewarded this year is 10 weeks, according to Calleary. 1 The boost is under consideration Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
€140 Child Benefit payment shake-up latest after age rule change as parents due new €160 or €285 cash per child in weeks
THOUSANDS of Irish parents could be due to keep their €140 Child Benefit cash boost after a change to age rules. Parents across the country rely on the key payment - and three additional cash payments also offer relief to families. 2 The payment is issued once a month Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 Three other schemes are available for families Credit: Getty Images - Getty Typically, Child Benefit is issued to families with children up to the age of 16 but a change of rules means it can now be paid up until until their 19th birthday if the child is in full time education or has a disability. Minister for "The payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their nineteenth birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability." The scheme is paid out to almost 1.3 million children in Ireland and is expected to cost the state over €2.2 billion in 2025. READ MORE IN MONEY An August double payment of Child Benefit, worth €240, promised by Fine Gael leader last year is this summer. Instead, the Department of Social Protection said the Government is focusing on a "targeted" However, despite double child benefit being off the table, there are three additional Minister for MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN The Child Support Payment is made up of a weekly amount for yourself, with extra given for a It is given on a circumstantial basis with no set amount allocated. QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS To avail of this, your child must be living with you, meet the age requirement of under 18 years of age, be a resident in the state and not be in legal custody. The To avail of this, you must be an employee, have at least one child who either lives primarily with you or who you financially support, and is under 18. If the child is in full time day This is paid based on your average weekly family income, with 60 per cent of the difference between this and the WFP income limit being issued. The payment is also not taken into account in the means test for a medical card. The 'KEY PRIORITY' Speaking on the payments, Calleary said: "These schemes provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income and thereby support low-income families with children. "Addressing child poverty is a key priority for the Government. That is why the Programme for Government 2025, includes a range of measures to support children and their families. "One such commitment is to explore a targeted Child Benefit Payment and examine the interaction this would have with existing targeted supports to reduce Child Poverty such as the Working Family Payment and Child Support Payment. "My Department is progressing this work, having regard to the available body of evidence, including the work undertaken previously by the ESRI, The National Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare." WHAT IS THE BACK TO SCHOOL ALLOWANCE? The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is available to thousands of Irish parents, will open for applications in June 2025. The payment is aimed at easing the Children aged four to 11 receive a rate of payment of €160. Those aged 12 to 22 receive a payment of €285. However, there is criteria you must meet in order to avail of the cash. You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment or participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. You and each child you claim for must be a resident in Ireland. Your household income must be within the BSCFA income limits and you must be receiving the Increase for a Qualified Child payment along with social welfare payment. WEEKLY INCOME LIMITS FOR THE PAYMENT These are the weekly income limits parents must meet to qualify. 1 child €694 2 children €756 3 children €818 4 children €880 An increase of €62 is applied for each independent child in families with more than four kids. The payment is usually paid out in early July, falling on the week of July 8 in 2024. If you do not automatically get the payment and think you qualify you can apply on MyWelfare through your verified account. If you do not have an account you can call the BSCFA contact centre on 071 919 3318 or 0818 11 11 13, and they will help you to set one up. Applications for the payment usually close in late September. WHAT ARE CHILD BENEFIT RULES? Child Benefit is a tax free payment to parents or guardians of children under 16. But it can also be claimed 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. You must also be living in Ireland and meet the Habitual Residence Condition to claim the payment. CHILD BENEFIT PAYMENT DATES THIS is a full list of all the Child Benefit payment dates for the rest of the year. The €140 payment, which is available regardless of a person's income or PRSI record, is paid out on the first Tuesday of every month. However, the payment can June 3 - may be paid early due to June Bank Holiday July 1 August 5 - may be paid early due to August Bank Holiday September 2 October 7 November 4 December 2 The Department of Social Protection If your child lives between two separate households, the parent who lives with the child most of the time will receive the payment. Someone who cares for a child not living with or being maintained by their parents may also be able to claim Child Benefit.
