Ireland’s Budget 2026: Key Social Welfare Measures
A Comprehensive Overview of Payments, Supports, and Social Protection Reforms
Ireland’s Budget 2026 introduces a wide range of measures aimed at strengthening the social protection system and improving the standard of living for citizens. The Government continues its commitment to supporting families, pensioners, carers, low-income workers, and vulnerable groups amid rising living costs.
Below is a detailed and structured summary of all major Social Welfare changes coming into effect in 2026.
1. Increases to Core Weekly Social Welfare Payments
Most weekly social welfare payments will rise to help individuals cope with inflation and higher living expenses.
— Core weekly payments will increase by €12
This applies to:
Jobseeker’s Benefit and Allowance
Disability Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
One-Parent Family Payment
Widow’s/Widower’s Pension
Farm Assist
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
and other primary schemes.
These increases are designed to support people whose income relies fully or partially on the social welfare system.
2. Enhanced Supports for Carers
Carers remain one of the Government’s key priorities in the 2026 budget.
Key measures include:
— Carer’s Support Grant increased to €2,150
An annual payment for people providing full-time care to individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
— Higher income thresholds for Carer’s Allowance
This change will allow more carers to qualify for weekly payments.
These improvements particularly benefit households where a family member must reduce working hours due to caring responsibilities.
3. Supports for Families and Children
Budget 2026 introduces several important reforms to strengthen financial support for families.
— Child Benefit extended to age 19
Provided the young person remains in full-time secondary education.
— Increase to Qualified Child Increase (QCI)
€4 extra per week for children under 12
€5 extra per week for children aged 12+
These increases are especially important for low-income families and one-parent households.
— Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance increased
More generous support to help families meet school-related costs.
4. Pension Improvements
Pensioners will see several important enhancements.
— State Pension increased by €12 per week
Applies to both Contributory and Non-Contributory schemes.
— Living Alone Allowance increased by €5 per week
Supporting older people living independently.
— Wider access to Fuel Allowance
Adjusted income thresholds will allow more pensioners to qualify.
5. Supports for People with Disabilities
The Budget introduces targeted measures to improve financial stability for people with disabilities.
Key changes:
— Disability Allowance + €12 per week
In line with the general rise in core payments.
— Increases across Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension, and Severe Disability Allowance
— Additional once-off winter payments
Including extra fuel payments and seasonal supports.
6. Winter and Seasonal Payments
The Government has expanded seasonal supports to help households manage higher winter expenses.
— Winter Bonus Payment
A once-off payment for recipients of most long-term benefits.
— Expanded Fuel Allowance Scheme
Higher income thresholds and increased payment levels.
— Higher Christmas Bonus
The annual Christmas Bonus will remain at 100% of the weekly payment.
7. Supports for Low-Income Workers
Budget 2026 strengthens supports for individuals who work but still struggle financially.
— Working Family Payment: income threshold increased by €50 per week
This will open access to the scheme for more working families.
— Increase in the National Minimum Wage
While technically separate from welfare policy, it significantly impacts household incomes.
8. Supports for Students and Young People
— Expansion of the SUSI Student Grant Scheme
Including:
Higher grant levels
Higher income eligibility thresholds
Increased supports for students from low-income families
— Improved Apprenticeship Allowances
Important for technical and construction-related professions.
9. Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Measures
The budget allocates funding to reduce poverty and support vulnerable groups.
Key steps include:
Higher Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Improved means-testing rules
Expansion of the Community Employment programme
Additional supports for homeless individuals and high-risk groups
Conclusion
Budget 2026 significantly strengthens Ireland’s social protection system by increasing weekly payments, widening eligibility thresholds, and enhancing targeted supports for carers, families, pensioners, and people with disabilities. These measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring fair, modern, and comprehensive social protection for all residents.