Christmas Bonus to be rolled out to almost 12,000 people in Leitrim

Details of the highly anticipated Christmas Bonus were released today, with the Government confirming that it will be paid to approximately 1.5 million people nationwide, including pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities.

Across the North West, almost 90,000 social welfare recipients will receive the payment. This includes around 11,800 people in Leitrim, 54,900 in Donegal, and 22,500 in Sligo.

Payments amounting to €370 million will begin issuing today, and recipients will receive their Christmas Bonus on the same day they usually receive their primary payment.

The Christmas Bonus is provided to long-term social welfare recipients such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents, and those who are long-term unemployed. 

This group also includes, but is not limited to, people on the rural social scheme, beneficiaries of the temporary protection weekly payment, and those receiving the guardian’s payment.

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A full list of eligible recipients is available here.

Sligo-Leitrim TD, Minister Marian Harkin, welcomed the announcement of the Christmas Bonus. She highlighted its importance, stating that it will offer timely support to almost 90,000 recipients across Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal. 

Minister Harkin said, “Across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, this payment will make a real and immediate difference for almost 90,000 pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and those on long-term social welfare supports. As we approach the Christmas period, families when individuals are facing real financial pressure, this bonus provides essential breathing space, particularly for older people and those living alone or on fixed incomes.”

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, who announced the details today, said, “I am very conscious of the pressure families are under particularly in the run up to Christmas,” adding that the bonus is a “vital support,” especially for senior citizens.

“That’s why I am pleased to announce the details of the Christmas Bonus Payments today. 1.5 million people will benefit including our pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, and lone parents.

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“As always, I would encourage people, where possible, to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas this year. By shopping locally, you are supporting your local economy, your local community and your local small businesses,” Minister Calleary concluded.