Budget 2025: 2 billion cost of living package expected with once-off payments before Christmas [Video]

LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago

THE BUDGET IS set to include a €2 billion cost of living package and number of once-off payments, The Journal understands. 

Coalition leaders and senior ministers last night engaged in high-level negotiations, ahead of Tuesday’s Budget announcement at 1pm.

All must be signed-off on tonight when leaders will meet again. 

Once-off social welfare payments will likely be issued before and after Christmas, which will include two double child benefit payments before Christmas along with extra payments on fuel and living alone allowances.

Here’s what we know so far:

Cost-of-living measures

• A €250 energy credit will also form part of the package.
• Double child benefit payment
• Double fuel allowance payment

Tax measures

• A reduction in the 4% rate of USC to 3%
• €2,000 increase in the threshold for the higher rate of income tax, bringing it to €44,000
• Rent tax credit to increase to €1,000
• Inheritance tax threshold to increase from …