At least 42,239 people across Kerry will begin to receive the increased Christmas Bonus payment from next Monday.
That’s according to Labour’s Arthur J Spring, TD who said it will be paid to all people who are long-term welfare recipients, including pensioners, lone parents, job-seekers, carers and people with disabilities.
“The decision by Fianna Fail to scrap the Christmas Bonus payment in 2009 was a particularly severe one. Thankfully, Tánaiste Joan Burton restored it partially last year and now the improving economic picture has enabled us to pay a 75pc Bonus to social welfare recipients this year,” said Deputy Spring.
“I’m pleased that at least 42,239 of people in the county will benefit from the partial Christmas Bonus payment again this year. Christmas can be a financially demanding time so the bonus will go some way towards easing pressure on local households.
“Local shops and businesses will benefit as the increase in the Christmas bonus will give recipients additional spending power in the month of December.”
“Those who will benefit county wide include 15,651 pensioners, 7,768 on Job-seekers, 4,435 people on disability allowance and 2,600 people in receipt of Carer’s allowance.
“It is another example of how Labour are ensuring that local people share in the economic recovery. We will continue to stand up for older people and vulnerable groups by providing increases in vital supports,” Deputy Spring concluded.
