Christmas Bonus Arrives As Inflation Bites For Households This Winter.
As consumer prices in Ireland rise steeply, the annual Christmas Bonus is arriving for long-term social welfare recipients, offering timely relief for many households under pressure.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that inflation, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), increased by 3.2 % in the 12 months to November 2025.
Prices for food rose by approximately 4.2 % over the past year, while energy costs climbed about 3.3 %, placing considerable strain on household budgets.
Recognising the challenge posed by rising costs, especially for essentials such as food and heating, the Department of Social Protection has initiated payment of the 2025 Christmas Bonus. Some 1.5 million long-term welfare recipients, including pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and others on qualifying social welfare schemes, will receive a one-off bonus equal to 100 % of their typical weekly payment. The total value of the payments is estimated at €370 million.
The Bonus will be paid automatically on the same day recipients normally receive their weekly welfare payment, ensuring immediate support without additional paperwork.
While the Christmas Bonus cannot erase the full impact of elevated inflation, it does represents a significant short-term boost as households contend with higher costs during the winter and holiday season. In this context, the payment helps ease the burden on those most vulnerable to rising living costs.
Leave a Reply