In June 2025, Ireland implemented a broad set of social welfare enhancements to better support low-income households, carers, and families struggling with the rising cost of living. The government, as part of Budget 2025, introduced increased weekly payments, extended child benefits, and additional grants to alleviate financial pressure and improve social equity.
These measures reflect the State’s ongoing commitment to enhancing social protections and addressing the economic needs of its most vulnerable populations.
Summary Table: Ireland Social Welfare Increase
| Change | New Amount | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Social Welfare Increase | +€12/week | March 2025 |
| Child Benefit Extension | Up to age 19 in full-time education | January 2025 |
| Carer’s Support Grant | €2,000 (up from €1,850) | June 5, 2025 |
| Back to School Allowance | €160–€285 per child | June 2025 – September 30, 2025 |
| Early Payment Due to Bank Holiday | Payments issued early | May 30, 2025 |
| Newborn Baby Grant | €280 one-off payment | For births after Dec 1, 2024 |
Official Resource: Citizens Information Website
Weekly Social Welfare Increases
From March 2025, a general increase of €12 per week has been applied to the majority of weekly social welfare payments. Over 1.4 million recipients benefit from this increase, including:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- State Pension (Contributory and Non-Contributory)
- Disability Allowance
- Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension
- Supplementary Welfare Allowance
In addition, qualified adult dependents also benefit from proportionally increased payments, ensuring that households see a meaningful rise in income.
Child and Family Benefits
Child Benefit Extension
Starting January 2025, Child Benefit payments of €140 per month are extended to include children up to the age of 19, provided they remain in full-time education or have a qualifying disability. This change aims to provide continued support to families with older school-going children.
Newborn Baby Grant
A one-time Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is now available to families whose children are born on or after December 1, 2024. This grant is in addition to the initial month’s Child Benefit payment, offering immediate support for new parents.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA)
To assist families with education-related costs, the BSCFA provides the following support:
- €160 for children aged 4 to 11
- €285 for children aged 12 to 22 who are in full-time education
Applications open in June 2025 and close on September 30, 2025. Households already in receipt of certain welfare payments may receive the allowance automatically.
Support for Carers
Carer’s Support Grant
Paid annually in June, the Carer’s Support Grant has increased from €1,850 to €2,000. This non-means-tested grant will be issued on June 5, 2025 to individuals providing full-time care. It can be used for respite, essential purchases, or other caregiving-related expenses.
Income Disregard Increase for Carer’s Allowance
Effective from July 2025, income disregards for Carer’s Allowance will increase as follows:
- €625 per week for single carers
- €1,250 per week for couples
This allows carers to earn a higher income without affecting their eligibility for Carer’s Allowance.
Early Payment Due to Bank Holiday
Because of the June Bank Holiday on Monday, June 2, 2025, all social welfare payments scheduled for that date will be issued earlier, on Friday, May 30, 2025. This applies to:
- Child Benefit
- Jobseeker payments
- Carer’s Allowance and Support Grant
- Other relevant weekly payments
Additional Support Measures
Working Family Payment
The income threshold for the Working Family Payment has been increased by €60 per week across all family sizes. This increase, which took effect in January 2025, helps ensure more families qualify for this top-up payment.
Domiciliary Care Allowance
From January 2025, the Domiciliary Care Allowance has risen by €20 per month. This increase aids families caring for children with disabilities, offering added monthly support.
Fuel Allowance
To combat heating costs during colder months, a lump-sum Fuel Allowance payment of €300 will be issued in November 2024 to eligible households.
FAQs About Ireland Social Welfare Increase
Q1: When will the Carer’s Support Grant be paid?
A: The grant will be paid on June 5, 2025, and is set at €2,000.
Q2: Who qualifies for the Newborn Baby Grant?
A: Families with children born on or after December 1, 2024 are eligible. The grant is in addition to the monthly Child Benefit.
Q3: How do I apply for the Back to School Allowance?
A: Applications open in June 2025 and close on September 30, 2025. Automatic payments will be made to those already receiving qualifying benefits.
Q4: Will payments be issued early due to the June Bank Holiday?
A: Yes. Payments normally due on June 2 will be paid on May 30, 2025.
Q5: Has the income disregard for carers changed?
A: Yes. From July 2025, carers can earn up to €625 (single) or €1,250 (couples) per week without losing eligibility for Carer’s Allowance.
Conclusion
The June 2025 social welfare updates in Ireland deliver important financial relief to families, carers, and low-income individuals. With enhancements such as increased weekly payments, expanded child benefits, and higher thresholds for income-based supports, these changes underscore the government’s continued efforts to safeguard economic stability and social equity.
For up-to-date information or to apply for any of these supports, please visit the Citizens Information website.
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