Here are the social welfare and cost of living changes to note for May
14:39, 13 Apr 2026Updated 14:43, 13 Apr 2026
Stock image(Image: Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images)
May is right around the corner and there are some social welfare and tax changes to take note of.
These include the end of a major social welfare scheme and a payment date change. Here’s everything you need to know coming up in May:
Fuel Allowance
The Fuel Allowance will end on May 1 following an extension due to rising energy costs as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. The 2025/2026 Fuel Allowance season started on Monday, 22 September 2025 and it is paid for 28 weeks.
The scheme has now been extended until May 1 due to the recent increases in fuel costs. The Fuel Allowance is worth €38 per week, so the extension is worth a total of €152 for eligible households.
May Bank Holiday
Some social welfare recipients can expect to get payments early in May due to the Bank Holiday weekend. Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, May 4, meaning payments due that day will instead be paid on the prior Friday or Saturday.
Carbon Tax
Following major protests over the fuel crisis last week, the Government have postponed a scheduled increase of the carbon tax rate which was due to come into May until the Budget in October.
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