Thousands of social welfare recipients will be issued a refund soon after an error with last month's cost of living payment.
The €200 cash boost was paid to 1.2 million people at the end of April, alongside their normal weekly social welfare payment. The bonus was part of a cost of living package announced by the Government in February.
The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that 1% (approximately 12,000) recipients of the bonus payment incorrectly had charges applied, Dublin Live reports.
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They said in a statement: "The Spring cost of living bonus payment was made to eligible people this week. This was an additional bonus payment of €200 made to approximately 1.25 million eligible customers, in addition to their normal weekly social welfare payment.
"The full €200 cost of living payment was paid, but the Department is aware that in a small number of cases (in the region of 1% of payees) direct debits agreed via the An Post Household Budgeting system were applied to the bonus payment, in addition to being applied to a person’s normal weekly payment.
"The Department is working with An Post, the local authorities and housing associations to identify the people affected. In cases where rent was deducted, we are working to recover the amount deducted and arrange for a refund to the affected customers."
They added that they intend for the refunds for rent to be made to customers no later than by the end of May.
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