Extra week of welfare payment paid automatically in December
Christmas Bonus Ireland 2026
The Christmas Bonus is an extra payment made to social welfare recipients in December. Paid at 100% in 2025 — automatically added to your normal December payment. No application needed.
Christmas Bonus 2025 — At a glance
- Bonus rate (2025)
- 100% of your weekly payment
- When paid
- First or second week of December
- Minimum qualifying period
- 12+ continuous weeks on a DSP payment
- Application
- None — paid automatically with your December payment
Qualifying payments
| Payment | Minimum time receiving to qualify |
|---|---|
| Jobseeker\'s Allowance / Benefit | 12 weeks |
| Illness Benefit | 12 weeks |
| Disability Allowance | 12 weeks |
| Invalidity Pension | 12 weeks |
| State Pension (Contributory and Non-Contributory) | 12 weeks |
| Carer\'s Allowance / Benefit | 12 weeks |
| One-Parent Family Payment | 12 weeks |
| Working Family Payment | 12 weeks |
| Blind Pension | 12 weeks |
| Back to Education Allowance | 12 weeks |
| Farm Assist | 12 weeks |
Christmas Bonus rates — recent years
| Year | Bonus rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 100% |
| 2024 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2021 | 85% |
| 2020 | 100% |
The 2026 rate will be confirmed in Budget 2026, announced in October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Christmas Bonus?
An extra week of social welfare payment made automatically in December to all qualifying DSP recipients. 100% in 2025.
Who receives it?
Anyone on a qualifying DSP payment for 12+ continuous weeks before the December payment week.
When is it paid?
First or second week of December, automatically with your normal payment.
Do I need to apply?
No. It is automatic — you will receive it if you qualify.
Which payments qualify?
Most DSP payments: Jobseeker's, Illness Benefit, Disability Allowance, State Pension, Carer's, One-Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment and others.
- You do not need to apply — the bonus is paid automatically on your normal payment date in December if you qualify.
- The rate is not always 100% — it varies by Budget year. It was 85% in 2021 and 2022. The 2026 rate will be announced in Budget 2026 (October 2026).
- You must have been on a qualifying payment for at least 12 continuous weeks — someone who started welfare shortly before December may not receive it.
- HAP and Rent Supplement are not qualifying payments for the Christmas Bonus — only payments listed as qualifying DSP social welfare payments apply.
- The Christmas Bonus is not means tested and is not affected by any income you earn alongside a qualifying welfare payment.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2025 Christmas Bonus rates and qualifying payments.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.