At least 24,154 people across Westmeath will begin to receive the Christmas bonus payment from December 2, after it was partially reinstated in the Budget.
That is according to Labour TD Willie Penrose, who said it will be paid to all people who are long-term welfare recipients, including pensioners, lone parents, jobseekers, carers, and people with disabilities.
Deputy Penrose said: “I’m pleased that at least 24,154 people in the county will benefit from the partial Christmas Bonus payment again this year. Christmas can be a financially demanding time, so the bonus will go some way towards easing pressure on local households.”
Those who will benefit locally include 7,808 pensioners, 5,354 on jobseekers allowance, 2,315 people on disability allowance, and 1,352 people in receipt of carer’s allowance.
“The decision by Fianna Fáil to scrap the Christmas Bonus payment in 2009 was a particularly severe one,” Deputy Penrose said. “Thankfully, Tánaiste Joan Burton restored it partially last year and now the improving economic picture has enabled us to pay a 75 per cent bonus to social welfare recipients this year.
“It is another example of how Labour are ensuring that local people share in the economic recovery. We will continue to stand up for older people and vulnerable groups by providing increases in vital supports.”
