More than 1.2 million social welfare recipients are to receive a Christmas bonus this week.
The Department of Social Protection say the payments will start from Monday November 27th.
In total, €219m is being paid to pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents, long-term unemployed people and other recipients.
The bonus will be paid at the rate of 85% of a person's normal weekly payment.
It breaks down to over 630,000 pensioners and 580,000 other social welfare recipients.
Source: Department of Social Protection
The department says the majority of customers will receive the bonus this week.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty has welcomed the payment, saying: "I am very pleased that the Christmas bonus is being paid again this year.
"Not only is it a welcome additional support for social welfare customers in the run-up to Christmas, in many cases the money is spent locally and provides a real boost for local economies."
