Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
412. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a refund will be paid to a person (details supplied) whose additional €200 payment was reduced by an amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21629/23]
View answerThe Spring Cost of Living Bonus is one of the range of measures put in place to help social protection recipients including families, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.
It is one lump sum payment of €200 for each eligible person in receipt of a primary payment in their own right. The €200 lump sum payment was paid week commencing Monday 24th April 2023 to over 1.2 million people in receipt of long-term social welfare payments at a cost of approximately €250 million.
The full €200 cost of living payment was paid, but in a small number of cases direct debits agreed via the An Post Household Budgeting system were applied to the bonus payment, in addition to being applied to a person’s normal weekly payment.
The department is working with An Post, the local authorities and accommodation providers to identify the people affected. In cases where rent was deducted, the department will recover the amount deducted and arrange for a refund to the affected customers.
It is expected that refunds for rent will be made to customers, including the person concerned, by the end of May.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
