Families, Pensions in Louth Will Receive Boost From January

Increases to Child Benefit and the State Pension will take effect on January 1st.

It follows the publication  of the Social Welfare Bill, which gives statutory effect to measures announced in Budget 2016. 

The changes will mean that families in Louth  will have a little more in their pocket at the end of each month. 

The changes to Child Benefit and the State pension in the Budget will take effect from January 1st. It is important that people in Louth  are aware of the upcoming changes with the the State Pension to rise weekly  by €3, boosted Child Benefit by €5, cut USC rates, restored the Respite Care Grant in full, and restored the Christmas Bonus by 75%. Each of these measures will help bring the recovery to the kitchen table. 

This has been a particularly difficult time but I am pleased that we now have the room to raise living standards for people and invest in essential services. I am particularly pleased that the Respite Care Grant will be restored in full.  This is something I have continually campaigned for since the decision to cut it was taken.