Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD has announced that over €1 billion in social protection increases will come into effect from 1 January, as part of Budget 2026. The measures aim to support pensioners, families, carers, people with disabilities, and low-income households, while tackling child poverty across Ireland. The total cost of the January improvements is approximately €1,093 million.
Core weekly payments will rise by €10, with proportionate increases for Qualified Adult dependents, benefiting over 1.5 million people nationwide. Child Support Payments will see record increases, with weekly rates rising by €16 (26%) for children aged 12 and over to €78, and by €8 (16%) for under-12s to €58. These increases are the largest ever for Child Support Payments, supporting over 330,000 children.
The Working Family Payment thresholds will increase by €60 per week for all family sizes, providing additional financial relief and expanding eligibility for low-income households. The Fuel Allowance will rise by €5 per week, from €33 to €38, benefiting more than 414,000 households. Meanwhile, the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase by €20, bringing it to €380 per month and aiding over 73,000 children cared for by parents or guardians with severe disabilities.
In addition to these payments, improvements have been made to Community Employment, Tús, and the Rural Social Scheme. These include broader access, a €5 per week top-up, and €1,000 in material grants for all Community Employment schemes. The measures build on the €370 million in Christmas Bonus payments issued in December and will be complemented by further Budget 2026 initiatives, such as extending the Fuel Allowance to families receiving the Working Family Payment, expanding the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to 2- and 3-year-olds, and implementing the largest increases in weekly income disregards for Carer’s Allowance.
Minister Calleary highlighted the significance of these measures, noting that they provide crucial support to vulnerable families, reduce child poverty, and recognize the contributions of carers and other essential members of Irish society.
