Government to pay out €200 lump sum to combat cost of living crisis

The sum will be paid to those in receipt of long-term social welfare payments.

In an effort to combat the spiralling cost of living crisis, a €200 lump sum will be paid out to over 1.3 million Irish people later this month. Pensioners, carers, single parents, people with disabilities, widows and widowers will all be in included amongst the recipients. The payment will be made in addition to their normal weekly payments, at a cost of €261 million to the government, as part of a package of measures announced by the Department of Social Protection in February. [caption id="attachment_771982" align="alignnone" width="640"] Minister Heather Humphreys has also announced an additional €100 payment for those in receipt of child benefit. (Credit: Rolling News)[/caption] Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Social Protection, said that the cost of living pressures are "continuing to affect people right across this country" and that a follow-up payment of €100 per child for those receiving child benefits would be made in June. This latest effort to combat the cost of living crisis is being made in addition to the €2.2 billion worth of supports announced in the 2023 Budget last October. The Minister went on to say that it "underlines our continued commitment to address the increased cost of living being experienced by our citizens". "From the very start of this difficult period, the Department of Social Protection has never been found wanting", the Fine Gael politician stated. [caption id="attachment_771983" align="alignnone" width="640"] Opposition TD's have long been campaigning against the government's response to the cost of living crisis. (Credit: Rolling News)[/caption] Eligible recipients of this €200 lump sum can expect payment beginning the week of April 24th. This payment comes off the back of another government scheme introduced to alleviate the cost of living crisis, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, which can see people receive up to €6,000. The scheme has been set up for older people or those with disabilities who require assistance in adapting their homes to suit their mobility needs. Covering the installation of mobility aids such as grab rails, accessible showers, ramps and stair-lifts, the scheme is overseen by local authorities, with more information here. Related Articles:

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