Almost 160,000 Cork people are eligible for State's 'Christmas bonus'

Almost 160,000 people across Cork city and county are set to receive a social welfare Christmas bonus.

Pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities will be among those eligible for the bonus payments, which were issued on Monday and will be paid to recipients on the same day they usually receive their weekly pension or other primary payment.

The Department of Social Protection said that 159,100 people in Cork will be eligible for the payment.

Nationally, Christmas bonus payments totalling €370m will be paid to around 1.5m long-term social welfare recipients in Ireland.

Social protection minister Dara Calleary said he is conscious of the pressure on families, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

“The Christmas bonus is a vital support, particularly for our senior citizens,” he said.

“That’s why I am pleased to announce the details of the Christmas bonus payments today; 1.5m people will benefit including our pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, and lone parents.

“As always, I would encourage people, where possible, to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas this year. By shopping locally, you are supporting your local economy, your local community, and your local small businesses.”