Social Welfare Increases January 2020

There weren’t too many increases to Social Welfare in Budget 2020 – but most of the increases that were announced will be taking place this month. (January 2020).

Details of Social Welfare Increases in January 2020

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance for people aged 25 will increase by €45.20 a week from €157.80 to €203 . (to bring it in line with over 25’s)
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance for people aged under 25 will increase by €90.30 from €112.70 to €203, (in line with over 25’s) .But only if they are living independently and getting a state housing support such as Rent Supplement, RAS or HAP
  • Supplementary Welfare Allowance for people aged 25 will increase by €45.20 a week from €157.80 to €203 (in line with over 25’s)
  • Supplementary Welfare Allowance for people aged under 25 will increase by €90.30 a week from €112.70 to €203, (in line with over 25’s) . But only if they living independently and getting a state housing support such as Rent Supplement, RAS or HAP
  • The income disregard for the One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker Transition will increase by €15 to €165 per week
  • Income thresholds for the Working Family Payment will rise by €10 a week for families of up to three children. (This will mean a €6 a week rise for many families)
  • A €2 a week rise in the “Qualified Child Increase” for under 12s and a €3 a week increase for children over 12.
  • €5 a week increase in the living alone allowance
  • The Fuel Allowance is increasing by €2 a week to €24.50 a week.

Note: The increases to Jobseekers Allowance will bring the rate for younger people back up to the full rate for over 25’s.
The rates for 25’s and under were cut drastically in Budget 2009.
Prior to 2009 – all people 18 and over got the same rate of Jobseekers Allowance and Supplementary Welfare.