Changes to social welfare payments expected as Bank Holiday weekend approaches

Recipients of some social welfare payments can expect a change-up in their payment days next week as the May Bank Holiday weekend approaches.

Banks and post offices will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, which means social welfare payments will be paid out earlier next week.

Payments should be expected on Friday May 3 or Saturday May 4.

The Bank Holiday also means those receiving Child Benefit, which is paid on the first Tuesday of every month, will see their payments land in their bank accounts earlier than usual.

Changes to the Child Benefit scheme will also kick in from next month, May 1, as approval to extend the scheme for all children under the age of 19, provided they are in full time education, will see families gain a significant cash boost of €560 in back payments.

The new scheme, that will benefit approximately 60,000 children per year, will now be paid up until a child's 19th birthday.