![\"Euro](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Euro-notes-stock.jpg\")
Euro notes (stock)(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nThousands of social welfare recipients across Ireland will receive an early payment next week due to the Christmas and New Year holidays<\/p>\n
15:38, 23 Dec 2025Updated 15:45, 23 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
Euro notes (stock)(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
With Christmas<\/a> just days away, many households across Ireland are feeling the pinch as the cost of living<\/a> crisis continues.<\/p>\n But there’s good news for thousands of people on social welfare<\/a>, as the Department of Social Protection is issuing payments early this festive season. The move is designed to make sure recipients aren’t left out of pocket while banks and post offices close for the Christmas holidays.<\/p>\n Payments originally due on December 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 were brought forward during the week beginning Monday, December 15 – meaning many people received a double payment. A similar arrangement has also been confirmed ahead of New Year’s<\/a> Day, with payments due on January 1 being made early on December 31 instead.<\/p>\n In a statement on Gov.ie, the Department of Social Protection explained: “If you get a social welfare payment, the date which you receive your payment may change during the Christmas and New Year period. If you receive a weekly social welfare payment, you will get your payment as usual during the week commencing Monday 15 December, and an advanced payment for the following week. This applies to payments made at post offices, by cheque or directly into your financial institution account.<\/p>\n “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Department of Social Protection.” This early festive boost comes after the Christmas Bonus was paid in the week beginning December 1.<\/p>\n And looking ahead to 2026, a number of social welfare changes are set to take effect. The Department has also shared festive opening hours for Intreo Centres, PPSN Centres and PSC Centres:<\/p>\n Where a walk in Public Service Card Service operates, it will be available until 12pm on December 24. Walk in availability may be reduced for the rest of the Christmas period.<\/p>\n For those who need to apply for income supports, the quickest and easiest option is online via www.MyWelfare.ie.<\/p>\n Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link <\/a>to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n