The first double welfare payment set out in last month’s budget will be paid on 17th October, the cabinet has decided. 

In total, the Government set aside €1.2 billion in lump sum spending to tackle the soaring cost of living and now ministers have agreed when it should be distributed.

Today, Minister Heather Humphreys will announce that the double child benefit payment will be made to 639,000 families across the country on 1st November. 

The Social Welfare Office on Thomas Street, Dublin. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Additional lump sums will be given out in the week of November 14th - including the €400 fuel allowance payment, the €200 living alone allowance payment and a €500 lump sum to those on the working family payment.

That week, there will also be a €500 disability support payment to people receiving Disability Allowance, the Blind Pension and the Invalidity Pension.

Furthermore, 132,000 people in receipt of the Carer's Support Grant will get a €500 lump sum on 21st November.

Main image: An older man counting Euro notes. Picture by: Rodica Ciorba / Alamy Stock Photo