Budget 2027 is set to be delivered on October 6, and with an overall package worth around €8.5 billion, it will touch almost every household in the country.

Nothing is fully confirmed until the day itself, but here is what has been signalled, and where the changes could land in your pocket.

Welfare and pensions

A rise in weekly welfare and pension payments is expected, though the exact figure is still being thrashed out.

Last year’s Budget delivered a €10 weekly increase, and while reports suggest a figure as low as €7.50 has been floated, campaigners are pushing for €15.

In a cost-of-living squeeze, an increase below €10 would be a hard sell.

The energy question

This is the one to watch. In recent years, households have grown used to universal electricity credits worth hundreds of euro, but there is no guarantee they will return this time.

The Government is expected to move towards more targeted energy supports, delivered through schemes like the fuel allowance rather than a credit for every home, which would leave many households worse off than in previous winters.

At the pump and the counter

Some changes will cost money rather than save it. Carbon tax on petrol and diesel is due to rise again on Budget night, nudging up the price of a fill.

The ‘old reliables’ are also in the firing line, with the price of cigarettes expected to climb once more and a further move on vaping products possible.

There is, however, a strong chance that a planned carbon tax hike on home heating will be deferred.

Families and workers

There is better news elsewhere. The Government has signalled help for lower-income families through enhanced child support payments.

Workers are in line for income tax changes, with the point at which people hit the higher rate expected to rise.

A new tax-free savings scheme is also due to be unveiled, though it is not expected to be up and running until later in 2027.

When it kicks in

As ever, most Budget measures do not take effect straight away. Some cost-of-living supports land in the winter months, while tax changes generally apply from January.

And with the Minister for Finance not standing up until October 6, everything above remains a proposal rather than a promise.