The Government has introduced new measures to combat the surge in fuel prices
Cash being handed over a counter(Image: Ulrich Baumgarten via Getty Images)
Significant changes are taking place to certain social welfare dates plus the addition of a new welfare payment.
A number of individuals will receive their weekly payments earlier than usual next week due to the bank holiday.
Easter Monday falls on 6 April, just days away. As a result, banks and post offices will remain closed on that date.
Anyone due a social welfare payment on the 6th can therefore expect to receive it early. Your payment should land in your account on either Friday 3rd or Saturday 4th April.
Read More: Irish drivers told fill up cars with petrol or diesel before Good Friday
Read More: Ryanair alert half a million passengers as flights scrapped entirely
Due to the bank holiday, those entitled to Child Benefit on 7 April will likely also be paid early, again on the Friday or Saturday. This ensures nobody experiences delayed payments because of the bank closure.
The news comes following the government’s recent introduction of a fuel support package in light of the Iran crisis, which extends a vital social welfare payment. Thousands of Irish residents already claiming the fuel allowance will benefit from an extra four weeks of support, amounting to a total of €152.
The Fuel Allowance season typically commences in late September each year and concludes in early April. This year, it has been extended until 1st May 2026 following recent surges in energy prices.
The weekly payment for Fuel Allowance is €38. Some recipients of Fuel Allowance can opt to receive two lump sum payments rather than weekly instalments.
To qualify for Fuel Allowance, you must be 66 years or older, under 66 and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, live alone or only with certain individuals, and meet a means test. For those under the age of 66, eligibility for the fuel allowance requires receipt of a specific social welfare payment.
These include One Parent Family Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, Deserted Wife’s Benefit or Deserted Wife’s Allowance, Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory), Farm Assist, Jobseeker’s Transitional payment (JST) and Working Family Payment.
Further measures approved by the Dáil, with 118 votes in favour and 39 against, include cuts to the mineral oil tax on petrol, auto diesel and marked gas oil, which will remain in effect until 31 May. Motorists are already noticing the impact at some forecourts, as excise duty on a litre of diesel has been slashed by 20 cents, while petrol has seen a 15 cents reduction until 31 May.
As part of a €235 million Government support package, diesel prices are expected to fall to approximately €2.09 per litre, with petrol dropping to around €1.85. However, certain filling stations may require additional time to transfer the savings to customers, as they’re currently selling stock bought before the changes took effect, meaning they paid a higher rate of excise duty on it. Some retailers are considering whether to cut prices ahead of new fuel deliveries to avoid accusations of overcharging.
The reduction also applies to home-heating oil, which will see a two cents per litre decrease.
Join Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
