Early bump due to the Easter bank holiday.
14:54, 30 Mar 2026Updated 14:54, 30 Mar 2026
Euro notes (stock image)(Image: DPA/PA Images)
Thousands of social welfare recipients across Ireland are set to receive a welcome boost this week, as several payments are being brought forward due to the upcoming Easter bank holiday.
The next public holiday falls on Easter Monday, April 6, when banks, post offices and Intreo centres will all be closed. Because of this, anyone due to receive a payment on that day is expected to get it early, likely on Friday, April 3 or Saturday, April 4.
The change will affect a range of social welfare payments scheduled for April 6. Child Benefit is also expected to be paid earlier than usual. It is due to be issued on Tuesday, April 7, but to make sure no one receives a late payment as a result of the banks being closed, it is also likely to be paid early, either on Friday, April 3 or Saturday, April 4.
Payment schedules are set to return to normal after the Easter weekend, the Irish Mirror reports. The early payments come as the Government rolls out a series of measures aimed at easing pressure on households amid rising fuel costs in the wake of the war in the Gulf.
A €250 million support package was recently approved, including cuts to excise duty on fuel, changes to the diesel rebate scheme and an extension of the Fuel Allowance.
The Fuel Allowance will be extended by four weeks, meaning around 470,000 households will receive an extra €38 per week in support, totalling €152.
Meanwhile, the various changes combined should result in an effective reduction of 22 cent for diesel and 17 cent for petrol.