Budget 2026: €28.9 billion social welfare spending with €1.15 billion in new measures (gov.ie)

• Total social welfare spending 2026: €28.9 billion
• Largest ever Child Support Payment increase (+€16 for ages 12+)
• Carer's Allowance income disregard rises to €1,000 (single)
• Fuel Allowance up €5 to €38 per week
• Auto-enrolment pension MyFutureFund from 1 Jan 2026

"The Irish Department of Social Protection has published its Budget 2026 plan, allocating €28.9 billion in social welfare spending, including over €1.15 billion in new measures. Key changes include the largest ever increase in Child Support Payment, a significant rise in the Carer's Allowance income disregard, a €5 weekly increase in Fuel Allowance, and a €10 weekly increase in most core payments. A new auto-enrolment retirement savings scheme, MyFutureFund, is set to begin on 1 January 2026."