Leitrim councillor welcome €1 billion for pensioners, families, carers and low-income households

Cllr James Gilmartin has welcomed this week's announcement by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, confirming over €1 billion in new social protection increases coming into effect from 1 January 2026. The wide-ranging measures, secured as part of Budget 2026, will provide meaningful support to pensioners, families, carers, people with disabilities and low-income households across the country, including Leitrim.

Among the key measures taking effect today are a €10 increase in all core weekly social welfare payments, benefitting more than 1.5 million people, record increases in Child Support Payments, rising to €78 per week for children aged 12 and over and €58 for under 12s, a €5 increase in Fuel Allowance, bringing it to €38 per week, a €60 per week increase in Working Family Payment income thresholds and a €20 monthly increase in Domiciliary Care Allowance, bringing the payment to €380.

Speaking following the announcement, Cllr Gilmartin said: “This €1 billion package of social protection improvements represents a major investment in people and communities. At a time when many households are facing real cost-of-living
pressures, these increases will make a genuine and positive difference to everyday life.” Cllr Gilmartin particularly welcomed the record child-related supports: “The increases in Child Support Payments are historic and will help tackle child poverty
head-on. Supporting families, especially those on low and middle incomes, is one of the most important things we can do to build a fairer society.”

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He also highlighted the importance of supports for older people, carers and those with disabilities: “The €10 weekly increase in core payments, alongside the rise in Domiciliary Care Allowance, recognises the vital role played by carers and the additional costs faced by families caring for children with severe disabilities. These are practical, compassionate measures that will be felt immediately.”

Cllr Gilmartin further noted the increase in Fuel Allowance as a crucial step in protecting vulnerable households: “An increase in the Fuel Allowance is especially welcome, particularly during the winter months. It will help over 400,000 households keep their homes warm and ease financial strain.”

Concluding, Cllr Gilmartin said the measures demonstrate a strong commitment to social protection: “This announcement, alongside the recent Christmas Bonus and further measures planned throughout 2026, shows a clear commitment to supporting those who need it most. I commend Minister Calleary for delivering a comprehensive and progressive package that strengthens social protection for communities right across the country.”