There may be some reprieve from the cost-of-living crisis this month, with nine cash payments that were announced in Budget 2024 arriving in people’s bank accounts, while two energy companies are also cutting their prices.
Recipients of fuel allowance will get a once-off payment of €300 in the week beginning November 20, while those receiving the working family payment can expect €400 during the same week.
Welfare recipients who get an increase for a qualified child will get a once-off payment of €100 per child in the week starting November 27, when older people who get the living alone allowance will be paid an extra €200.
People who get disability allowance, invalidity pension or blind pension will also be eligible for a €400 once-off payment from November 20, all of which should provide some relief from the cost-of-living crisis.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson asked health experts if you could kill Covid by blowing hairdryer up nose
Meanwhile, SSE Airtricity has confirmed that it’s reducing its unit rates for household customers by 12 percent from today, which the company estimates will result in average savings of €233 a year.
Its gas customers will also see a 10 percent drop in standard unit rates this month, although the energy company says there will be no reduction in its standing charge.
The price cuts are expected to result in savings of around €384.55 for dual-fuel customers, with all domestic gas and electricity customers in Ireland automatically getting the reduced rate later this year.
Electric Ireland has also announced that it’s poised to reduce its prices for the first time in over three-and-a-half years, representing good news for its 1.1 million electricity customers and 170,000 gas customers in the country.
The company’s electricity charges will drop by 10 percent from today, while their standard charges will also be reduced by 12 percent.
The cuts to standard unit rates and standing charges are expected to save customers around €212 a year on electricity and €216 on gas. Those availing of Electric Ireland’s dual-fuel option will save €428.74 annually.
There is some bad news for hard-pressed consumers this month, however, as Disney+ is hiking the cost of its monthly subscription from €8.99 to €10.99 for new customers this month, while the price change will hit existing customers from December 6.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
