Social welfare recipients should prepare for adjustments to their payment schedules due to the upcoming bank holiday on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026. Financial institutions and post offices will be closed on this date, prompting early payments for those expecting to receive social welfare support.
Easter Monday 2026 Early Payments for Social Welfare Recipients
Expect payments to arrive on Friday, April 3, or Saturday, April 4. This change also affects Child Benefit recipients, who will likely receive their payments earlier on the same days to avoid delays.
Details of Upcoming Bank Holidays
In 2026, the remaining bank and public holidays include:
- April 6 – Easter Monday
- May 4 – May Bank Holiday
- June 1 – June Bank Holiday
- August 3 – August Bank Holiday
- October 26 – October Bank Holiday
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day
Recent Payment Schedule Adjustments
Earlier in the month, the Department of Social Protection announced changes regarding payments around St. Patrick’s Day. Payments due on March 17 will be made on March 16 instead, as all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices will be closed on the holiday.
Fuel Allowance Expansion
The Department of Social Protection recently revealed an extension of the Fuel Allowance to an additional 50,000 households. Effective from January 2026, this expansion comes as part of Budget 2026 initiatives. Eligible families will receive backdated payments of up to €380 alongside their Working Family Payment starting Thursday, March 12.
The weekly rate of the Fuel Allowance increased by €5 to a total of €38, amounting to €1,064 annually per recipient. Minister Dara Calleary highlighted that this measure is aimed at supporting lower-income working families with their energy costs during winter.
With over 470,000 households now benefiting from the Fuel Allowance, the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to assist families and alleviate financial pressures. The aim is to ensure that work is rewarded and that children do not grow up in poverty.
