Christmas bonus for 45,000 people in Mayo this week

THE Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced the details for the Christmas bonus, which will be paid to approximately 1.5 million people this week, including pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

Payments totalling €370 million will be issued from today, with people receiving their Christmas bonus on the same day that they usually receive their primary payment.

The estimated number of recipients in Mayo is 45,100.

Said Minister Calleary: “I am very conscious of the pressure families are under particularly in the run up to Christmas. The Christmas bonus is a vital support, particularly for our senior citizens. That’s why I am pleased to announce the details of the Christmas bonus payments today. 1.5 million people will benefit including our pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, and lone parents.

“People will receive their bonus payment on the same day that they usually receive their weekly pension or other primary payment.”

Added Minister Calleary: “As always, I would encourage people, where possible, to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas this year. By shopping locally, you are supporting your local economy, your local community and your local small businesses.”

The Christmas bonus is paid to long-term social welfare recipients such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and long-term unemployed people.