Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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643. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) [54392/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

The €500 lump sum payment to those on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension will be paid to those receiving these payments in the relevant week in November.

Participants of the Community Employment scheme are eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment paid this month, and the Christmas Bonus in December. Those participants with children will receive the Double Payment of Child Benefit in November.

As part of Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce a €12 increase in weekly payment rates from next January. This will apply to Disability Allowance recipients and also to Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme and Tús scheme participants amongst others.

In addition, I am increasing the top-up rate on these employment schemes by €5 per week. This means that, combined with the rate increase, participants on these schemes will see a rise of €17 per week next year, and more for participants with adult or child dependants.

I trust this clarifies the matter.