25 November 2015
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
At least 128,589 people across Cork will begin to receive the Christmas bonus payment for the second time since 2009. This includes 48,762 people on the State Pension, 19,284 Jobseekers, 14,380 Disability Allowance and 7,288 Carers allowance.
Labour Deputy Michael McCarthy said: “It is another example of how local people are sharing in the economic recovery and Labour will continue to stand up for older people and vulnerable groups by providing increases in vital supports.
As announced in the Budget, a bonus will be paid next week from 2nd December to all people who are long-term welfare recipients including pensioners, lone parents, jobseekers, carers and people with disabilities.
Deputy McCarthy added “The decision by Fianna Fail to scrap the Christmas Bonus payment in 2009 was particularly severe, callous and mean.
“The payment was partially restored by the Tánaiste last year and as our economic recovery continues it has enabled us to pay a 75pc Christmas Bonus to social welfare recipients this year.
“The decision to keep the payment and increase it is a welcome one to the many households in Cork at a financially stressful time of year.”
Facts and figures
Estimated numbers of 2015 Christmas Bonus recipients in all of Cork 128,589
of which;
48,762 – State Pension
19,284 – Jobseekers Allowance
14,380 – Disability Allowance
7,288 – Carers Allowance
Weekly social welfare payments with which the Christmas Bonus will be paid include State Pension (Contributory, Non-Contributory), Widow’s and Widower’s (Contributory and Non Contributory Pension), Guardian’s Payment (Contributory and Non-Contributory), Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Deserted Wife’s Benefit, Carer’s Allowance and Benefit, Disability Allowance, Farm Assist long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance and long-term Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
The Christmas Bonus is also being paid to certain participants of Community Employment, Back to Education, Rural Social Scheme, Gateway, Tus and the Back to Work Family Dividend.
