All social welfare increases and essential bill reductions as July approaches

As we slowly enter the second half of the summer holidays, there are some imminent social welfare increases, as well as bill reductions, due to be dished out to struggling households.

Those in receipt of social welfare payments are being urged to apply for a payment that has been made newly available, DublinLive reports.

In addition, some annual bills are set to decrease, leaving you with some more money in your pocket to afford the daily essentials.

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Social Welfare

Here is a list of the changes being made to social welfare payments which will impact thousands:

Free Travel Scheme

From July, the Free Travel Scheme will be extended to individuals medically certified as unfit to drive. This scheme allows for free travel on public transport and certain private bus and ferry services.

Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) helps families with the cost of school uniforms and shoes. Many families receive the BSCFA automatically and do not need to apply. Those who do not receive it automatically can apply online at MyWelfare.ie.

Applications opened on 12 June 2024 and will close on 30 September 2024. The current BSCFA rates are €160 for children aged 4 to 11 and €285 for those aged 12 to 22. However, children aged 18-22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school in autumn 2024.

Bills

SSE Airtricity

SSE Airtricity has announced a price reduction effective from 1 July, with standard electricity and gas rates decreasing by 10 per cent. Eligible gas customers will save approximately €104.79 annually, and electricity customers can save up to €149.24 annually.

Irish Life Health

Irish Life Health is increasing their prices, resulting in an average rise of 5.3% on its gross adult premium. The increase across various plans will range from 1.6 per cent to 7.9 per cent. Both existing customers due for renewal and new customers will see the increase on July 1 July.

AIB

AIB is reducing its four-year fixed mortgage rate for customers borrowing €250,000 or more by 0.25 per cent, starting on July 3. This rate reduction is also available to existing mortgage customers with a balance of at least €250,000.

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