Minister Humphreys announces details for Double Child Benefit and Christmas Bonus Payments

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has announced a Double Child Benefit Payment will be paid to support over 650,000 families with the cost of living. 

The measure means that €280 per child will be paid for over 1.2 million children across the state.

Minister Humphreys also announced 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.

In Leitrim, 4,375 families and 8,636 children will benefit from the Double Child Benefit Payment measure. 

“I am very conscious of the pressure families are under, particularly during Christmas run-up. Child Benefit is one of the few tools within the Department of Social Protection that I can use to support working families,” Minister Heather said. 

In addition to the Double Child Benefit payments, Minister Humphreys also secured an agreement for a Christmas Bonus Payment at a cost of over €320 million.

The payment will be made to 1.3 million people this week, including Pensioners, Carers and People with Disabilities. People will receive their Christmas Bonus on the same day they usually receive their weekly primary payment.

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

“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,” she said.