What cost of living benefits will be paid and what bills are going up in November

The sound of Christmas bells aren’t that far off, so now is the time to be making the most of the time left before December hits.

November isn’t just the final month of autumn, but it’s also filled with cost of living boosts for several social welfare groups.

There is some good news for households too as one of the country’s biggest energy suppliers is knocking down their prices.

Read more: Social welfare Ireland: 32 groups receiving Budget 2025 double bonus early

Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Recipients of popular scheme may be hit with doubled fine worth €90

Here is everything you need to know for November:

Budget 2025

Social welfare recipients are in line for some major boosts in the month of November, with several dates pinpointed for once-off payments.

Here is a list of every cost of living measure that will be paid in the coming weeks:

• Once-off payment of €200 to people getting the Living Alone Increase in the week beginning 11 November 2024
• Once-off payment of €300 to people getting Fuel Allowance in the week beginning 4 November 2024
• Once-off payment of €400 to people getting the Working Family Payment in the week beginning 4 November 2024
• Once-off payment of €100 for each qualifying child to people who get an increase for a qualified child in the week beginning 25 November 2024
• Two double payments of Child Benefit for each child, one to be paid on 5 November 2024 and the second on 3 December 2024.
• Once-off payment of €400 to people getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Blind Pension on 4 November 2024
• Once-off payment of €400 to people getting Domiciliary Care Allowance and/or the Carer’s Support Grant in the week beginning 11 November 2024

Bills

Vacant Homes Tax

During the recent announcement of Budget 2025, it was confirmed that the Vacant Homes Tax will increase from 5 to 7 times the property’s existing base Local Property Tax rate.

The increase will take effect from the next chargeable period, starting this November.

This is an annual tax that applies on 1 November each year and was introduced in 2023.

VHT applies to property that:

• Can be lived in and
• Has been stayed in for less than 30 days in the previous 12 months

You can find more information here.

Electric Ireland

It was previously announced that Electric Ireland will be decreasing their prices from 1 November. This means that standard electricity and gas rates will be reduced by 3% while standard smart electricity rates will be reduced by 5%.

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