More infoSocial welfare recipients should be aware as there is a shake up to the payment schedule on the way. This means that anyone expecting a social welfare payment on the 25th will most likely be paid early. The government are still finalising measures but it looks like social welfare recipients are in line for a double payment before Christmas in Budget 2026. They explained that Minister Calleary wants to see key welfare entitlements, such as the State pension and jobseekers allowance, receive the boosted payment. The Minister is said to also be pressing for a €12 hike in the core social welfare rates.