February Social Welfare and Cost of Living Changes: Payment Date Switch and Updates
As February approaches, several significant social welfare and cost of living changes are set to take effect. These changes include a social welfare payment date switch, the distribution of energy credits to households, and a rise in the price of a pint. Let’s delve into the details of what to expect in the coming month.
Social Welfare Date Change
Due to the upcoming St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday on Monday, February 3rd, banks and post offices will be closed. Consequently, any social welfare payments scheduled for that Monday, as well as Child Benefit payments due on Tuesday, February 4th, will be processed earlier. Recipients can expect these payments to be sent out or made available on Friday, January 31st, or Saturday, February 1st, ensuring that individuals receive their much-needed support in a timely manner.
Energy Credits
In an effort to ease the financial burden on domestic electricity customers, Budget 2025 introduced a measure to provide €250 in energy credits towards their bills. This credit will be distributed in two instalments of €125 each. The first payment was issued between November 1st and December 31st, 2024, with the second installment scheduled to be distributed between January 1st and February 28th, 2025. This initiative aims to assist households in managing their energy costs and promote sustainable energy consumption practices.
Diageo Price Increases
For the fourth time in the past two years, the price of a pint is set to rise, impacting popular brands such as Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, and Hophouse 13. Diageo has confirmed that these beverages will see a six-cent increase per pint on February 3rd, excluding VAT. Additionally, Guinness 0.0 will experience a nine-cent per pint increase, excluding VAT. According to Drinks Industry Ireland, when factoring in VAT, duty, and the pub margin, this price hike could translate to an additional 30 cents per pint at the tap. Consumers in Dublin may see pint prices exceeding €6 and possibly even surpassing €7 due to these adjustments. The rise in the price of Diageo’s draught range is attributed to wage inflation and the ongoing escalation of energy costs, reflecting broader economic trends affecting the hospitality industry.
Stay Informed
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By staying informed and engaged, individuals can navigate these upcoming changes with greater awareness and preparedness for the shifting landscape of social welfare and cost of living adjustments.
