A TOTAL of 52,000 people in Limerick are set to receive a 100 per cent social welfare payment Christmas Bonus this month, according to Limerick City Fine Gael TD, Kieran O’Donnell.
The Christmas Bonus is paid to long-term social welfare recipients such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and lone parents. This year, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys announced changes to the criteria, meaning more people will benefit.
For example, the qualifying period for people in receipt of an eligible Jobseeker’s payment was reduced to 12 months from 15 months.
In addition, long-term recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) are receiving this year’s Christmas Bonus.
And time spent on the PUP by customers who have since moved to a Jobseeker’s payment will count towards reaching the 12-month requirement.
Deputy O’Donnell said: “We all know that the Christmas period can be a very expensive time of year for individuals and families.
“I therefore really welcome the fact that we are once again in a position to provide a 100 per cent Christmas Bonus this year.”
Minister Humphreys added: “I was really pleased once again to secure a 100 per cent Christmas Bonus for 2021.
“The Christmas Bonus is an important support that benefits the likes of our carers, pensioners, lone parents, people with disabilities and people in receipt of long-term Jobseeker’s payments.
“It is being paid into people’s bank accounts or their post offices this month, depending on the type of payment they receive.
“I was also pleased to change the qualifying period so that more people can receive this support this year.”
