More than 12,000 Laois families are set to receive a double Child Benefit payment this week.
This is one of the measures that was agreed by the government under the Budget in a bid to combat the rising cost of living.
Local Minister Pippa Hackett said: “This measure, announced by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, means that €280 will be paid to over 35,000 Child Benefit recipients across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.
“It’s the second of eight lump sum payments, as part of a €1.2 billion package, designed to support families and the vulnerable over the winter months.
“I know that Child Benefit is an extremely important income support benefiting thousands of hardworking families in the Midlands.
“This week’s double payment is one in a number of lump sum payments that people may expect as help towards the increased cost of living, including energy bills.”
Over the course of the next few weeks, further lump sum payments will be announced to support people with their household bills.
These will include the €400 lump sum fuel allowance payment, the €200 payment for people living alone, the €500 payment for carers, the €500 support for people with disabilities and the €500 payment for those in receipt of the Working Family Payment.
Minister Hackett said: “These are in addition to the first of three €200 electricity credits which will be paid directly to domestic electricity accounts, including both bill pay and pay-as-you-go customers.
“The credit line will appear on bills from the start of November and into December, depending on a household’s electricity supplier and billing cycle. The credit is automatic; people do not need to apply for it.
“Government is working across all sectors and individuals, business and communities to offer support for those struggling to manage increased costs: Supports are available, reach out and if you are not sure of what is available or what payments to expect please contact my office for details.”
