The Social Welfare Act 2016 (No. 15) introduces significant enhancements to the welfare system, focusing on income support, pensions, and family assistance. Implemented as part of Budget 2017, the Act includes targeted increases to weekly social welfare payments for working-age individuals, pensions, and disability supports, addressing cost-of-living challenges and demographic needs. Key provisions refine the State Pension framework to ensure adequacy and sustainability while also modernising family support programmes like the Working Family Payment.

In addition, the Act streamlines the Department of Social Protection's administrative processes by enhancing data-sharing capabilities and clarifying recovery mechanisms for overpayments. These modernisation efforts are designed to improve service delivery and align income supports with the fluctuating realities faced by seasonal and sector-specific workers. Overall, the Act aims to create a more responsive and effective welfare system to combat poverty and support vulnerable groups.