Welfare Christmas Bonus 2015

Posted on November 18, 2015 114 Comments

(Update – 2016 Christmas Bonus Payment Date Here )

In 2009 the Social Welfare Christmas Bonus was abolished by the previous Government. The bonus payment used to be a full extra weeks payment – resulting in a double payment in one of the weeks in December.
In the last Budget, in 2014 , the bonus was partially restored – but it was only set at 25% of the weekly payment for Christmas 2014. Details Here.

In Budget 2016 the bonus was increased to 75% of the weekly payment. This bonus will be paid out to recipients along with their normal payments during the week beginning November 30th 2015. Anyone getting monthly payments will get any bonus due to them in the December payment.

(I.e if your weekly welfare or pension payment is €180 your bonus will be 75% of that (€135) . Last year it would have been just €45. ) That equates to a 200% increase to the bonus. See below for more examples.

Note that for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) which is paid monthly the bonus is 75% of the weekly payment.
The Christmas Bonus does not include Fuel Allowance. The minimum Christmas Bonus payment is €20.

About 1.3 million people will benefit from the Christmas Bonus (almost 892,000 recipients and an estimated 400,000 dependents) .

The new 75% bonus will mean approximately €200 million total “bonus” will be paid out nationally just before Christmas. That will keep the retailers happy.
It equates to an extra bonus of €134 million compared to last year.

Just for comparison – in the UK there is also a similar Christmas Bonus for pensioners and other welfare recipents – but it is just £10 and is not paid to people on the “dole”.

Sample Figures for Christmas Bonuses:

Single Pensioner (Contributory) – Weekly Pension = €230.30 . Bonus of €172.70
Pensioner Couple – Weekly payment = €438. Bonus will be €328.50
Jobseekers Single Person – Weekly payment = €188. Bonus will be €141.00 .
Jobseekers – Couple + 2 children. Weekly payment = €372.40. Bonus will be €279.30

See more details of Christmas 2015 Welfare Payment Arrangements

History of the Christmas Bonus

The Christmas bonus payment for welfare recipients and pensioners was first introduced in December 1980 as a 100% bonus, and continued at that level until 1984. This was reduced to 75% in 1985 by the Labour-Fine Gael coalition and further reduced by them to 65% in 1986. The Fiánna Fail-Progressive Democrat coalition increased this to 70% from 1989.
In 200o it was increased to 100% by Fianna Fail until it was removed in 2009 by Fianna Fail / Greens. It was restored to 25% by Fine Gael/ Labour in 2014 and now it is at 75%.

The following payment types are eligible for Christmas Bonus in Ireland.

Back to Education Allowance (people coming from Jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or BTEA for 15 months)
Back to Work Allowance Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (long-term only – over 391 days or 15 months)
Blind Pension
Carer’s Allowance and Benefit
Community Employment
Deserted Wife’s Allowance and Benefit
Disability Allowance
Disablement Pension and Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Scheme

Domiciliary Care Allowance
Farm Assist
Gateway
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)
Invalidity Pension
Job Initiative
JobBridge (people coming from jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or JobBridge for 15 months)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (long-term only – over 390 days or 15 months)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (Transition)
Magdalen Laundry Payments
One-Parent Family Payment
Partial Capacity Benefit
Pre-Retirement Allowance
Rural Social Scheme
State Pension (Contributory), (Non-Contributory) and (Transition)
Tús
Widow, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)
VTOS (people coming from jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or VTOS for 15 months)
Blind Welfare Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and rehabilitative training allowances from the HSE.
Survivors of Thalidomide who get payments from the Department of Health
It is paid to certain participants on some Further Education and Training courses funded by SOLAS (people coming from jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or training allowance for 15 months).

114 thoughts on “Welfare Christmas Bonus 2015”

Patrick Reen on September 15, 2015 at 13:41 said:

This is a joke so people who have just returned to education and are just on the BTEA are not entitled to this goes to show the government haven’t got a clue and wont be getting any votes from students anytime soon. WASTERS
- Brian on October 10, 2015 at 10:03 said:
  
  If you were on jobseekers for 15 months before going on BTEA, you WILL get the Christmas bonus.
Jimmy Horgan on September 22, 2015 at 13:05 said:

This is a joke. Your article mentioned a 100% increase in the Christmas Bonus. This is juggling with figures. It still stands at 50% of what the bonus was originally. Your article should read this figure falls short by 50% to a full restoration of Christmas Bonus to pensioners and Welfare recipients. Lets face it €90.00 wont go far, it wouldn’t buy you a decent basket of groceries.
Rosaleen linnane on September 28, 2015 at 12:56 said:

It is a joke I work 19 hrs get fis and raising to boys one in school and one in college no other income and I don’t qualify for Xmas bonus better not call looking for vote
- Rebecca on October 13, 2015 at 21:33 said:
  
  I agree Rosaleen, I too am working part-time & receiving FIS. I had my loan parent replaced by FIS earlier this year (minus €70). I am now not entitled to the Christmas bonus either because I work 19 hours a week. Joke!
- Deborah on October 14, 2015 at 11:38 said:
  
  Yes I agree, I am working part-time 19 hrs per week, and get FIS have one son in college and one son in training. Getting no Christmas bonus is a joke indeed, I thought that a social welfare payment was paid and it was across the board, I have to pay college expenses and also have to feed and cloth them.
  Do not call to my door for a vote in the Spring Election…
Lisamarie on October 12, 2015 at 00:52 said:

if there is a Christmas bonus will there be any other increase in payments like Disability Allowance after Christmas, or are they still sticking to the same payment we have now!? Or are we likely to see cuts again!?
joe on October 12, 2015 at 09:51 said:

Why should non-struggling pensioners get a christmas bonus?. The state pension contributory is not means tested.The majority of other recipients of the christmas bonus are on means tested payments, the people it was designed to help.
G on October 12, 2015 at 11:10 said:

There seems to be a big divide over this bonus – workers v non-workers. I understand that workers may feel its unfair to give people who don’t work ‘money for nothing’ when they are working hard but its not always so black and white. Like many others I would love nothing else than to be earning my own money and bringing home a good wage each month but that’s not possible right now. I am physically restricted and reliant on a wheelchair. I am dependent on my Disability Allowance to pay my bills and keep a roof above my head just like many others; nothing is left for luxury or even Christmas. So personally I will be relying on this bonus just to buy small token gifts for the few people that are important to me as well as trying to buy food for dinner. We all know €90.00 doesn’t go far but it all helps.
john mc grath on October 13, 2015 at 03:20 said:

Why do you not get the Christmas bonus if you are on disability benefit.
- Money Guide on October 13, 2015 at 10:50 said:
  
  I gues you mean Illness Benefit ? This is not classed as a long term benefit. People on Disability Allowance will get the bonus.
sabrina ronan on October 13, 2015 at 10:22 said:

anyone on fis are not entitled to a Christmas bonus ????
- Money Guide on October 13, 2015 at 10:45 said:
  
  That was always the case. Not a new thing.
Shauna on October 14, 2015 at 01:25 said:

I am currently on Maternity benefit and it is my only source of income at the moment and i am struggling big time and i find it a joke that i am not entitled to the christmas bonus as i have paid my taxes for years now and i then take time off to look after my baby and am entitled to nothing?? People getting a bonus that can and have not worked a day in their life its a disgrace!!
- Lucy on November 30, 2015 at 15:59 said:
  
  I totally agree, I am also on maternity leave and have a child to support. Where is my xmas bonus for me and my son. The rules and regulations surrounding the Christmas bonus are a complete and utter joke!!!
- Sylvia on December 4, 2015 at 15:25 said:
  
  Im furious that people on maternity leave are not entitled to the christmas bonus!! Im supposed to survive on my miserable 230 for christmas! Whereas the next person who is getting jobseekers and who has a child gets their payment and bonus..where is the fairness??? I work hard all year and i get nothing!!!!
steve on October 14, 2015 at 09:36 said:

I was on a CE SCHEME up to june 14,I had to go on illness benefit through no fault of my own,I then lost my fuel allowance and my Christmas bonus entitlement. I was entitled to these payments if I had been still on the scheme or on Jobseekers.My illness benefit does not even pay the same amount as i was getting on the CE scheme.I am now worse off through no fault of my own.THANKS ENDA.
- Money Guide on October 14, 2015 at 09:46 said:
  
  The rules for the Christmas bonus were set up back in 1990’s – if the qualification rules are not fair you should contact your TD.
  - Deborah on October 14, 2015 at 11:41 said:
    
    I will indeed TODAY
- CAROL on December 7, 2015 at 04:17 said:
  
  SAME HERE STEVE, DOES’NT MAKE SENSE. MY INCOME IS STILL LOW AND YET I LOST EVERYTHING. ENDA IS TOO BLAME!
  - Money Guide on December 7, 2015 at 11:40 said:
    
    To be fair – the rules on Christmas Bonus were set up years ago – nothing to do with current government.
Jamie on October 14, 2015 at 10:19 said:

I find it very unfair that people on jobseekers benefit are not entitled to this, I worked and paid taxes from the day I turned 18, the business I worked for closed down earlier this year, I have been actively seeking employment and had a number of interviews but so are 100s of other people which makes it extremely difficult, but because I paid my taxes up to this year I am not entitled to it, where is the fairness in that!!! The rules need to be changed given to pensioners, carers and anyone else in receipt of social welfare payments actively seeking work instead of just anyone!!!
Betty o Connor on October 14, 2015 at 12:21 said:

Will people on National Learning Network Training Courses ( VTOS) who previously were on a Disability Payment for longer than 15 mths be entitled to the Christmas Bonus
- Money Guide on October 14, 2015 at 12:23 said:
  
  You might be better directing such specific queries to the Dept of Social Protection. If it’s not on the list shown here it is unlikely to qualify.
pete on October 14, 2015 at 12:31 said:

Will you have to be 15 months on the social welfare again to be entitled to Christmas bonus?
- Money Guide on October 14, 2015 at 12:50 said:
  
  The rules have not changed since last year as far as we are aware.
Charlotte on October 14, 2015 at 16:26 said:

Im on a solas training course. Will i get the christmas bonus?
- Money Guide on October 14, 2015 at 16:34 said:
  
  It is paid to certain participants on some Further Education and Training courses funded by SOLAS (people coming from jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or training allowance for 15 months).
Maryanne on October 14, 2015 at 22:26 said:

Have been in vtos up to june this year after doing course for 3yrs, now on jobseekers alowance since end if course….will I be entitled to christmas bonus.
- Jennifer o brien on November 1, 2015 at 15:22 said:
  
  I am wondering the same have you got an answer
Anthony Halvey on October 20, 2015 at 19:05 said:

my wife is a full-time carer for her badly disabled sister (24/7)to her astonishment she was cut in her carers allowance by 50%.She was told by social services that because i had retired from work( after 45years) and was to claim a dependants allowance for her,she was not entitled to claim two social welfare payments.My wife has to be available 168 hours per week for her half carers allowance of 104euro per week.That works out at just over 50cents per hour.Will somebody please tell me where is the justification in that.
mary on October 24, 2015 at 16:15 said:

i get paid on tuesdays will i get the christmas bonus on the 1st or 8th?
- Helena on November 7, 2015 at 08:36 said:
  
  I wont ask you I get with my husband an two children 370 euro and how much I get Christmas bonus and when?
Dawn on October 28, 2015 at 20:16 said:

My husband hasnt had a job in 3 years, not for lack of seriously trying. He has been on course after course through solas and in 3 years we still have not been eligible for fuel allowance nor the xmas bonus. It makes no sense that to go on training that you loose additional benefits. (I had to stop self employment over 2 years ago due to a car crash and fibromyalgia) Yet again this year we are shy about 6 weeks to qualify for fuel allowance. Its a very unfair, unjust set of rules, that causes so much unnecessary hardship for people. We just about cope and its so disheartening seeing him day after day, searching and applying for jobs and getting no where. He is a qualified carer for heavens sake. The system needs to change drastically so everyone is treated equally and fairly. I certainly wont be voting yet again.
Jennifer o brien on November 1, 2015 at 12:22 said:

Hi can you tell me if people who were on Jobseeker’s Allowance then went on a vtos course for two years and then back to Jobseeker’s Allowance in June if they are entitled to the Christmas bonus?
John on November 5, 2015 at 19:21 said:

Hello just wondering if ya were on long term social welfare payment and have moved to a training course with solas would you still get the christmas bonus
lins on November 5, 2015 at 22:59 said:

Hi I just went on to disaiblty allowance will I get bouns I was getting jobseeker before that for nearly 7 year
Tom on November 26, 2015 at 18:50 said:

I’ve finished a gateway scheme 2 weeks ago am I entitled to the Xmas bonus
elaine friel on November 26, 2015 at 21:28 said:

Hi just wondering if somebody is on Fis and divided payment are you entitled to the Christmas bonus
Joe on November 27, 2015 at 14:24 said:

if im on Job seekers benefit from september , will i get it ??
- Money Guide on November 27, 2015 at 14:25 said:
  
  Hi Joe – Social Welfare say you have to be on “long term” jobseekers (they class this as more than 15 months) to get the bonus.
  - Joe on December 1, 2015 at 21:51 said:
    
    How is that right ir fair….I have 2 kids I lost my job in august after 10yrs working…whats a different between my kids and someone whos not working or just dont bother to get a job…whos on dole years….my kids eating or want less then others kids whos parents not working long time??? Someone please explain ….if there is any logic argument I would like to hear it….
Daniel on November 30, 2015 at 15:44 said:

Hi

Just wondering if there is a payment the week after the bonus or is it a double payment in that sense?

Thanks
- Money Guide on November 30, 2015 at 15:59 said:
  
  Daniel – the Bonus is in addition to normal payments. There will also be “double” payment for most people in the week of DEc 14th because they will not get paid in week of 21st Dec. See here : https://www.moneyguideireland.com/welfare-christmas-payment-dates-2015.html
Anon on November 30, 2015 at 17:02 said:

I’m on Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance of €100 (under 25) a week since September while I wait for my disability application to process, which I must say is taking an awful long time . €50 straight on rent and the other €50 spent on pure survival. Shocked to see I get no bonus. €75 wouldn’t break the governments bank a/c and it would make an awful difference to me. There’s gonna be some disappoint family members come Christmas as a result of this I’m saddened to say.
Jennifer on November 30, 2015 at 17:41 said:

Does this payment not apply to maternity benefit ???
Anonymous on November 30, 2015 at 18:30 said:

We’re in an awful mess the receipt on my partners claims states ‘basic supplementary welfare allowance’. And he was transitioned on to this payment approx eight wks ago due to illness he hasn’t received the Christmas bonus this morning for our family and children. I am fighting the case with the dept.of social and my local TD that his claim was only transferred from JA and not changed?? I am fighting a losing battle??
Gerry on November 30, 2015 at 22:19 said:

I am on illness benifit since 2008 am i entitled to this bonus
- shelly mccorry on December 1, 2015 at 15:18 said:
  
  I have the same question,I didn’t get it last year.
  - Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 17:14 said:
    
    Illness Benefit is not on the list of benefits that qualify for the Bonus
- j on December 1, 2015 at 20:50 said:
  
  I’d like to know this too
  - Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 20:54 said:
    
    see answer above –
Sean fields on November 30, 2015 at 23:30 said:

I’ve just finished up on back to school education and have signed back on jobseekers. I was on jobseekers for more them 15 months before this do I qualify for bonus ???
Darren Quinn on December 1, 2015 at 09:00 said:

Through no fault off my own i lost my job last april after spending all my adult life working this is my first xmas on social wefare and i dont get a bonus yet i know a lad personnally who was caught working and signing and he got a bonus. How is this right or fair?? Someone explain please.
john on December 1, 2015 at 12:53 said:

im just wondering are the people on the xs and os entitled to any christmas bonus?
cath on December 1, 2015 at 12:56 said:

my partner is on jobseekers but he is on X and 0 payments does has not got the christmas bonus do you know why not please?
- Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 17:19 said:
  
  Some Part Time workers get Jobseekers “Benefit”. Only those on Jobseekers “Allowance” for more than 15 months will get the bonus.
sinead on December 1, 2015 at 14:36 said:

Hi…im claiming jobseekers and working part time…i get paid by cheque on a tuesday and was wondering if i get christmas bonus?
- Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 17:18 said:
  
  Jobseekers Benefit is not part of the Christmas Bonus scheme. Jobseekers Allowance (over 15 months ) is eligible for the Bonus. If you are working you are getting Jobseekers Benefit
  - shannon on December 1, 2015 at 17:55 said:
    
    hi I have been on jobseekers allowance for 8 and a half months now I am on a solas course the past 7 months am I entitled to Christmas bonus?
  - sinead on December 1, 2015 at 17:57 said:
    
    When i get my cheque it says jobseekers allowance on it.
  - Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 19:17 said:
    
    Hi – if you didn’t get a bonus maybe you should chase it up with the Dept. You have to be on it at least 15 months to get the bonus.
  - Money Guide on December 2, 2015 at 10:15 said:
    
    If you are getting Jobseekers Allowance (Means Tested) and you have been getting it for 15 months then you should get a bonus. Check with Social Welfare to make sure.
  - Kim on December 4, 2015 at 22:16 said:
    
    I am working part time but my cheque each week clearly states “in respect of jobseekers allowance” but I have not yet received my bonus. Will it be paid this week?
- Jason on December 2, 2015 at 00:35 said:
  
  I’m on the dole over 15 months. I have worked 4 casual days and informed the social. Will that affect me qualifying for the bounus. 30 hours in total.?
  
  Thanks.
Ann on December 1, 2015 at 19:49 said:

If you finish a 9 month solas training course and then return to draw Jobseeker’s Allowance for 7 months after, would you be entitled to a Christmas bonus?
- Money Guide on December 1, 2015 at 20:09 said:
  
  Ann – it depends what you were claiming (if anything) before the course. (people coming from jobseeker’s payments must have been on their payment and/or training allowance for 15 months).
  f you were not claiming Jobseeekers before the course – then the 9 months on the course probably won’t count towards the 15 months. Maybe double check with Welfare -?
  - Ann on December 1, 2015 at 20:17 said:
    
    I was claiming jobseekers allowance also for 7 months prior the course therefore was entitled to training allowance, while on the course last year I received a Christmas bonus. Thanks I will double check with them Just incase.
- Rachael on December 1, 2015 at 23:04 said:
  
  I was wonderng if my partner works part time and claims for my daughter and i are we entitled to the bonus
Brenda on December 1, 2015 at 23:56 said:

Hello, I am a single parent, have not worked in over 10 years, I was on lone parents until transitioned to jobseekers last summer, today I was told no bonus, I am not unemployed long enough.
Very confused right now, any information is a help. I don’t know what questions to start asking, is this a mistake or are there many shocked lone parents in similar situation.
Anyone? thank you.
- sinead on December 2, 2015 at 13:14 said:
  
  Sorry but as i found out myself….you have to be claiming jobseekers for 15 months to qualify for the christmas bonus.
Louise lynam on December 2, 2015 at 12:09 said:

when do we receive the Xmas bonus is it Thursday the 3 rd
We should get it if we get FIS but we don’t
- Money Guide on December 2, 2015 at 12:18 said:
  
  Christmas bonus is due this week along with your normal payment. FIS is not one of the eligible benefits though.
  - Krzekotowska K on December 3, 2015 at 01:41 said:
    
    It is outrageous that the government has transitioned single parents from Lone Parent Payments and now we don’t get a Christmas bonus based on our original payment.Bernie.
- Alison on December 2, 2015 at 13:11 said:
  
  Hi I receive domiciliary care allowance for my son. Just wondering when the bonus is paid to us. Thanks.
William on December 2, 2015 at 13:16 said:

I was on carers allowance for 2 year and moved to jobseekers 3 months ago..
Should I get the christmas bonas.?
Nothing recieved today at the post office
Lee on December 2, 2015 at 14:25 said:

Are the homeless receiving bonus
Lena Hayes on December 2, 2015 at 15:11 said:

What payments are not eligible for Christmas bonus???
- Money Guide on December 2, 2015 at 15:46 said:
  
  The article has a list of the eligible payments.
  - Kegan nadin on December 3, 2015 at 10:41 said:
    
    Hi, I have been on job seekers allowance for a number of years, last September I switched to ptji scheme for 1 year, I switched back to jobseekers straight after, am I entitled?
  - michelle on December 3, 2015 at 12:19 said:
    
    Hi there,
    
    my husband is currently on Illness benefit, we already dont “qualify” for fuel allowance and now it looks like we wont get the xmas bonus either.. is that correct? thanks.
Tara on December 2, 2015 at 15:42 said:

Once again we are near Christmas the government and our dole offices have again proved white coloured crime still goes on for the lower class people. Merry Christmas to the government called scroge
Milka on December 2, 2015 at 22:15 said:

This is a joke,that’s true,
one of the rules to claim jobseekers allowance is :” you must look for work”? Who gonna look for work if they are giving bonus as a prize for a people who are long term unemployed, I’m only wandering what’s the difference between let’s say person whos claiming sw for 14 or 15 months? . One gonna get bonus the other ine not,And what about the rest who are not getting Christmas bonus?. Are they worse than the others?. How can separate people like this, how can you decide who should get bonus who’s not?. Is that fair?. Are the people who won’t get the bonus don’t want to have a Christmas? . Can someone explain who made that rule?..
Modinat Goloba on December 2, 2015 at 22:43 said:

Hi, my patner was on job seekers allowance since last year July and get payment for the whole family, but this September went back to full time education. Though myself is on Carer allowance. Just wandering if we are qualify for the Christmas bonus and if the former months with job seekers count reating to the 15 months. Thanks
marina reynolds on December 2, 2015 at 22:51 said:

My husband was on a 3yr CE scheme which finished up in July,he then drew jobseekers for 2 months before he was offered a 9 month internship with Jobsbridge. Would he be entitled to a christmas bonus?I am not working so he is claiming for me and 3 children?
Marian on December 3, 2015 at 08:57 said:

I am on back to education allowance since September 2014 (jobseekers during the summer of 2014 and 2015) but there is no bonus showing in my online banking? Am I eligible for a bonus?
Fergal Pentony on December 3, 2015 at 09:07 said:

I am on a community employment scheme. Does every scheme do dates different? I assumed I would get my christmas bonus this week but only got my 208 euro payment.
anita on December 3, 2015 at 09:35 said:

My husband was on job seekers but switched to vtos is he intiled to Christmas bonus?
Dave on December 3, 2015 at 11:24 said:

I’ve been on JA for 375 days and JB before that for 72 days. Which is way over 15 months. I did not get the Christmas Bonus though, should I follow up on this?
- Money Guide on December 3, 2015 at 13:30 said:
  
  Dave – those dates add up to just under 15 months (64 weeks) – 15 months is 65 weeks. Looks like you just missed out.
Gerard Howard on December 3, 2015 at 13:05 said:

I was on relieving allowance for 8 months and have been on job seekers allowance for 7 months. Do I qualify for christmas bonus?
Alanna on December 3, 2015 at 15:35 said:

Hi,

I was working from October 2014 to September 2015(full time). I was put on FIS, having been on Lone Parents for 8 years. I am now gone back to college and only recently submitted my application for job seekers transition, will I receive the bonus?
Shauna on December 3, 2015 at 20:08 said:

I’m on maternity leave getting payed by the state would I get a double payment does anyone know.?
- Money Guide on December 3, 2015 at 20:24 said:
  
  maternity benefit does not qualify for a christmas bonus
Louise on December 3, 2015 at 20:13 said:

if get domicilary care when does Xmas bonus come into your account
- Money Guide on December 3, 2015 at 20:27 said:
  
  In the next payment which is due on Dec 15th
  - Louise on December 3, 2015 at 20:56 said:
    
    Thanks how much is it do u know
  - Money Guide on December 4, 2015 at 08:43 said:
    
    75% of your weekly amount.
    So – if you are on 309.50 a month the bonus will be just over €53
- Jo on December 4, 2015 at 14:14 said:
  
  Hi I am on a casual payment on social welfare. I only work 9 hours a week, and I have no definite work at the moment. Am I entitled to a Christmas bonus?
rose on December 4, 2015 at 17:04 said:

im on illness benefit for over 7 year why don,t illness benefit get a bonus its not fare .
- Money Guide on December 4, 2015 at 17:07 said:
  
  Illness Benefit should only be paid for 2 years . How come you have been getting it for 7 years. Have you been getting it constantly for all that time?
Brenda on December 5, 2015 at 08:33 said:

I’m on illness benifit am I entitled to it???
John on December 5, 2015 at 17:24 said:

hi,

I am on a Fas Course, didnt get Christmas bonus last year but I was only on Dole about 7 months,but I didnt get it this year, am I entitled to it while doing a FAS course and If I am and havent got it how do I go about, getting the christmas bonus?

Thank you for you Time

John
Laura25 on December 7, 2015 at 11:30 said:

This is my second year in BTEA, I have started working part time this year too, does that rule me out for the Christmas bonus?
- Money Guide on December 7, 2015 at 11:42 said:
  
  You probably would have had the bonus already if you were due it. If yyou haven’t had it yet – you are probably not going to get it.
  - Terry O' Toole on December 9, 2015 at 18:09 said:
    
    Why do you have to be unemployed 15 months or longer ? Is this not discrimination ? Could i challenge this in the courts ?
Kevino on December 7, 2015 at 15:07 said:

My mother is a single parent,works full time job.Can she able to get christmas bonus and does she have to contact the boss of where she works or the social welfare?
- Money Guide on December 7, 2015 at 19:15 said:
  
  The Social Welfare Bonus is not paid to working people. Some employers give a Christmas Bonus – but this is optional and not many employers do it.
Damian Whelan on December 8, 2015 at 10:31 said:

I’m on illness benefit for eight and a half years and I think we have a case for discrimination over not getting the Christmas Bonus as you should be only on this payment for a max of 2 years. Typical Labour, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. None of them will be getting my vote.
Brian on December 8, 2015 at 12:47 said:

Hi,
I am long term unemployed and get Jobseeker Allowance but didn’t receive a bonus. Do you know if there are cases where some Jobseekers don’t qualify?
- Money Guide on December 8, 2015 at 13:13 said:
  
  Brian – to get the bonus you have to have been on Jobseekers for 15 months or more. Contact you local Welfare office if you think your bonus payment was not made.
yola on December 10, 2015 at 21:33 said:

I am single parent 4 months on jobseeker benefit but I was 8 months on long term ilnnes benefit why I am not getting christmas bonus??!!!
Susanne Mc Donald on December 11, 2015 at 17:18 said:

Hi there,

I am on illness benefit for approximately 12 months. Am I entitled to a Christmas bonus?

Thanks in advance.
Jennifer Gilpin on December 13, 2015 at 14:35 said:

Hi, I started on jobbridge on 1st Sep 2014 and finished in May 2015, I then went on jobseekers until October. I am now on another jobbridge and I reckon 65 weeks takes me up to 28th November. Have I missed out on the Xmas bonus?

Comments are closed.