Almost €400million worth of the Christmas bonus is being handed out from today.
The Government is splashing the cash this week with an expanded Christmas bonus scheme seeing 1.6million people getting a double welfare payment this week.
It will come as a welcome surprise for all, but especially the hundreds of thousands on PUP (Pandemic Unemployment Payment).
€83million of the total €390million being doled out today is going to those who are out of work specifically because of Covid.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said she was pleased to be able to pay the bonuses.
And she asked that people support local businesses with the bonus cash this Christmas.
She said: “Overall this week, some €390 million is being paid out in the Christmas Bonus – the highest amount ever.
“And this morning, the Christmas Bonus was paid into the post office and bank accounts of 283,000 who are in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
“2020 has been a year like no other for so many people who lost their employment - it’s also been an extremely difficult year for businesses.
“As we head towards the Christmas period, I would urge everyone to consider the impact the Pandemic has had and is continuing to have on small businesses.
“I would therefore appeal to everyone who receives their Christmas Bonus today and this week, where possible, to shop local.
“By shopping locally, you are supporting your local economy, your local community and your local small businesses.”
The 100% Christmas Bonus will be paid mainly to pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents.
One of the first groups to receive the Christmas Bonus are recipients of PUP.
Over 283,000 people who have been in receipt of a PUP payment - continuously or otherwise – for at least 4 months (17 weeks) since March were paid the Christmas Bonus this morning.
The total amount paid to PUP recipients today is €83.14 million.
The largest cohort of PUP recipients to receive the Christmas Bonus are aged between 25 and 34.
