Dublin: As the eagerly anticipated €1.2 billion social welfare bonus package, announced in the October Budget, prepares for distribution, an urgent warning has been issued to recipients regarding potential scams. Aimed at assisting pensioners, carers, individuals with disabilities, and families grappling with the escalating cost of living, this unprecedented initiative includes nine one-off payments scheduled throughout Christmas and into January.
Commencing next Monday, recipients are set to receive the much-awaited lump-sum payments directly into their bank accounts. However, the Department of Social Protection has raised alarms about a circulating scam, cautioning recipients that no application is necessary for these automatic payments, and no one from the department will contact them for personal details.
In an official statement, the department emphasised, ‘Following Budget 2024, there may be an increase in fraudulent texts or calls asking people to register for the lump sums and double payments. Lump sums or double payments are automatically paid – people do not need to apply for them.’ Additionally, recipients were reminded that department staff never solicit personal details over the phone or through text messages.
By the end of the month, the following entitlements are slated for disbursement:
November 20: €400 lump sum Working family payment
November 20: €300 Fuel allowance lump sum payment
November 20: €400 Disability Support Grant for Individuals with Disabilities
November 27: €400 Carer’s Support Grant for the country’s carers (individuals qualifying for both the Disability and Carer’s Support Grants will receive a single bonus payment of €400).
November 27: €200 lump-sum payment for those receiving the Living Alone Allowance
November 27: €100 cost of living lump sum payment per child for those receiving an increase for a qualified child on their social welfare payment.
Recipients are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication as the distribution of these critical financial supports unfolds.
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