Social welfare: Likely date for 2021 Christmas Bonus and the 23 payments that entitle you to the reward

The festive season is fast approaching, with many people already buying presents and starting to put up decorations.

We've seen a number of major names issue warnings about low stock and potential delivery delays.

But while Christmas is a magical time of year, it can also be a financial burden on a lot of families.

Luckily, those eligible for the Christmas Bonus payments will only have to wait a few more weeks to receive their money.

As part of Tuesday's Budget, up to €315 million has been given for Christmas bonuses for all welfare recipients.

Here is all we know about how it'll be doled out in 2021.

How much is the Christmas bonus?

In 2021, the Christmas Bonus will be 100% of your normal weekly long-term social welfare payment (the minimum payment is €20).

Up to €315 million has been given for Christmas bonuses for all welfare recipients.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys secured the deal with Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath on October 11.

The deal will see those receiving benefits receiving a double payment in one of the weeks leading up to Christmas as a bonus.

Who will get the Christmas bonus?

In 2021, people getting the following payments will get a Christmas Bonus:

• Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
• COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
• Blind Pension
• Carer's Allowance and Benefit (including half-rate Carer's Allowance)
• Community Employment
• Deserted Wife's Allowance and Benefit
• Daily Expenses Allowance, formerly called Direct Provision Allowance (long-term only - 15 months/over 455 days)
• Disability Allowance
• Disablement Pension and Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Scheme
• Domiciliary Care Allowance
• Farm Assist
• Guardian's Payment (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)
• Invalidity Pension
• Job Initiative
• Jobseeker's Allowance (for at least 104 days)
• Jobseeker's Transitional payment
• Magdalene Laundry Payment
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Partial Capacity Benefit
• Rural Social Scheme
• State Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)
• Tús
• Widow, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)

When will the Christmas bonus be paid in 2021?

While we haven't got the full details yet of the payments, they are usually handed out at the most three weeks before Christmas.

In 2020, it was the week beginning December 7. In 2019, it was December 2. Both of these were the first Monday's of December in their respective years.

Using that logic, we expect the Christmas bonus to be paid out on Monday, December 6 2021.