Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has today (Wednesday) announced that the Christmas Bonus will be paid to some 1.4 million people next week.
The bonus will be paid at a rate of 100% of the person’s normal payment.
Announcing the Christmas bonus, Minister Humphreys said: “As a former Minister for Business, I know that our retail community are still feeling the impact of Covid-19.
“This past two years has been so difficult for our small and medium businesses.”
The Minister also urged people to shop local this Christmas to help small and medium businesses get back on their feet.
“I am therefore urging everyone to consider spending the Christmas bonus locally this year.
“If we keep our business in our towns, we will keep our towns in business,” she said.
The Christmas bonus is paid to long-term social welfare recipients such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and lone parents.
12 months duration on eligible social welfare payment or scheme is required in order to be eligible for the bonus.
Time spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is included in jobseeker qualifying period.
In addition, long-term recipients of the PUP will also receive this year’s Christmas bonus.
