Social welfare changes coming in May, including payment date change
Social welfare changes coming in May, including payment date change | Dublin LiveNewsDublin NewsSocial welfareNeed to knowNext month also sees the end of a major social welfare schemeA number of cost of living and social welfare changes are coming in May(Image: Getty Images)Payment date changes and end of major social welfare scheme coming in MayThe Fuel Allowance season is officially scheduled to end on 1 May following a short extension. This seasonal payment normally concludes in April but was lengthened this year due to volatility in energy costs.Eligible households received a total extension value of €152 to help manage their utility bills. This was calculated based on the standard weekly rate of €38 being paid for four additional weeks.Social welfare recipients should prepare for a change in payment dates due to the May Bank Holiday. Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, 4 May, which affects the usual distribution schedule.Those due to receive payments on the holiday Monday can expect them to arrive slightly earlier. Funds are instead expected to be available for collection on the preceding Friday or Saturday.Parents should note that Child Benefit payments may also be issued ahead of schedule next month. This adjustment ensures that families have access to their funds despite the closure of financial institutions.A planned increase to the national carbon tax rate has been officially postponed by the government. The hike was originally set for May but has been deferred following recent public protests over the fuel crisis.This specific tax adjustment will now be reconsidered during the drafting of the Budget in October. The delay is intended to provide temporary relief to consumers facing high transport and heating costs.Individuals are encouraged to check their local post office hours to confirm specific collection times. Planning ahead for these schedule shifts can help prevent any unnecessary financial disruption during the long weekend.Read the full story: May cost of living and social welfare changes including end of scheme and payment date changeFollow dublinlive:At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
