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

May is expected to be a much quieter month when it comes to the cost of living crisis. April was filled with utility increases, health insurance hikes and more, but thankfully, things have finally calmed down. Here is everything you need to know for the month of May: Read more: Social welfare payment: Two groups excluded from getting paid €2,000 lump sum Read more: Cost of living Ireland: Drivers are missing out on motor tax refund - here’s how to apply Carer's Support Grant The Carer’s Support Grant is paid to carers once a year to those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Those who receive Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance will automatically get the lump sum amount. If you don’t get any of these payments, you may still qualify for the money. The Carer’s Support Grant is paid to carers once a year by the Department of Social Protection (DSP).



It used to be called the Respite Care Grant. You can use the grant in whatever way you like. You can use it to pay for respite care, but you don't have to.

Only one Carer’s Support Grant can be paid for each person getting care. The Carer’s Support Grant will be paid on 5 June 2025. You can find out more about the grant here .

May Bank Holiday People can expect to get certain social welfare payments early in May due to the Bank Holiday. Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, 5 May, meaning those due to be paid on Tuesday, 6 May will be paid a few days beforehand. This will affect those receiving their Child Benefit payment, with those eligible lined up to get paid on Friday, 2 May or Saturday, 3 May.

Recipients of the New Baby Grant will also be impacted, with those expecting the grant worth €280 to get it instead on Friday, 2 May or Saturday, 3 May. Carbon tax It was confirmed in Budget 2025, that the rate of carbon tax for petrol and diesel will increase from €56 to €63.50 per tonne from 9 October.

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