Need to knowThe Department of Social Protection have released a statement confirming new social welfare payment dates this week – here’s everything you need to know about it
13:04, 19 Oct 2026Updated 11:12, 21 Oct 2026
Minister for Social Protection; and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht: Dara Calleary(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
The Department of Social Protection have confirmed new social welfare payment dates this week – here’s everything you need to know.
October 26th marks the October bank holiday Monday in just a matter of days. Because of this, banks and post offices will be closed on that day.This means that anyone expecting a social welfare payment on the 26th will most likely be paid early. It is expected that you will see your payment land in your account on Friday the 23rd or Saturday the 24th of October.On their website, the Department of Social Protection confirmed all the details with a statement. They wrote: “Monday 26 October is a Bank Holiday and as a result, any social welfare payments due for payment on Monday 26 October will now be paid on Friday 23 October instead. Payments will be paid as normal on Tuesday 27 October, 2026. All Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 26 October. Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will reopen on Tuesday 27 October.”Because this bank holiday doesn’t fall just before the first Tuesday of November, Child Benefit payments won’t be affected.The full list of bank and public holidays remaining in 2026 are as follows: 26th October (October bank holiday), 25th December (Christmas Day 2026) and 26th December (St Stephen’s Day 2026).It comes as Budget 2027 was announced earlier this month and unveiled a number of social protection measures.Core social welfare payments are increasing by €10 from January.As well as the €10 core increase, the Child Support Payment weekly rate will increase by €6, from €58 to €64, for children under 12 and €6, from €78 to €84, for children aged 12 and overFuel Allowance will increase by €5 from €38 to €43 per week.The Living Alone Increase will increase by €3 from €22 to €25 per week.The Living on a Specified Island Allowance will increase by €5 from €20 to €25 per week.A cost of disability payment of €500 will be paid to people getting a long-term disability payment. The lump sum will be paid in 2027. It is for people on long-term disability payments and will benefit 240 thousand people.A Christmas bonus of 100% will also be paid to people getting a qualifying social welfare payment the week starting 7 December 2026.
Get the full rundown on Tuesday’s budget announcement here.
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