Social welfare news

With the rising cost of living, many people are struggling to make ends meet. The government has announced a number of changes to social welfare payments in an effort to help those who are most in need.

The changes include an increase in the weekly rate of most social welfare payments by €12.

Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit, and Parent's Benefit will all increase by €15.
The Fuel Allowance will increase by €20.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will increase by €25.
The Christmas Bonus will increase by €25.

These changes will come into effect from January 2023.

The government has also announced a number of other measures to help people with the cost of living, including a €1,000 cost-of-living payment for those on lower incomes, a €200 electricity credit for all households, and a reduction in the VAT rate on gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9%.

These measures will provide some much-needed help to those who are struggling to make ends meet. The government has said that it will continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary.