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The Government has been urged to place low‑income and vulnerable households at the centre of Budget 2027 planning, as Social Justice Ireland outlines measures it says would relieve pressure on those who have lost spending power. The group calls for a mix of immediate weekly payments and tax changes, along with an extension to the winter fuel support season.
Key proposals from Social Justice Ireland
The organisation is urging the incoming Budget to prioritise longer‑term supports rather than one‑off measures. Its headline recommendations include higher welfare payments, a targeted disability payment and reforms to how low‑paid workers receive tax relief.
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- Increase minimum social welfare rates by €15 per week.
- Extend the Fuel Allowance season by four weeks.
- Introduce a system of refundable tax credits to help workers on lower incomes.
- Raise the PAYE and Personal Tax Credits by the equivalent of €5 per week so workers benefit from any income tax changes.
- Introduce a €20‑per‑week cost‑of‑disability payment, to start in the October Budget.
Cost and implementation
Social Justice Ireland estimates the proposed disability payment would cost about €242 million. The group says the initial €20 weekly payment could be increased in future budgets.
The organisation frames the October Budget as the appropriate moment to begin delivering the payment, stressing that a phased approach would allow subsequent budgets to build on the commitment.
Why the measures matter
Supporters say the package would directly boost household incomes for those most affected by rising living costs. They argue refundable tax credits would ensure low‑paid workers receive tax relief as cash rather than through non‑refundable offsets.
Social Justice Ireland sees the combination of regular welfare increases and targeted supports as a way to restore purchasing power across income groups, while keeping fiscal changes focused and sustained.
Reaction from Social Justice Ireland
Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland, pointed to an existing manifesto commitment. She said: “The Programme for Government has committed to a cost of disability allowance, a cost of disability payment. So we would be looking at a weekly payment to be introduced in this budget of €20 a week, and that can be built upon in subsequent budgets.”
The organisation also noted that delivering this payment would meet a pledge contained in the Programme for Government.
