An important change to taken note of
14:21, 18 Apr 2026Updated 14:27, 18 Apr 2026
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Social welfare recipients have been advised of an impending shakeup to payment dates, with some receiving payments early.
The change is being made to accommodate the upcoming bank holiday. Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, May 4, so payments due that day will be issued on the prior Friday or Saturday.
Those who are in receipt of a Child Benefit payment are among those who can expect to see payments landing early.
The remaining bank holidays in 2026 are as follows:
May bank holiday (May 4)June bank holiday (June 1)August bank holiday (August 3)October bank holiday (October 26)Christmas Day (December 25)Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26)
Meanwhile, the extended Fuel Allowance payment will conclude on May 1. 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 been extended until May 1 due to the recent increases in fuel costs due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Fuel Allowance is worth €38 per week, so the extension is worth a total of €152 for eligible households.