Core social welfare payments refer to the basic payments provided by the government to support people who need financial assistance due to different life situations. These payments can be divided into three main types: social insurance payments, social assistance payments (also known as means-tested payments), and universal payments. Examples of core social welfare payments include:

• Disability Allowance: A means-tested payment for people with a disability.
• One Parent Family Payment: A payment for people (under the age of 66) who are raising children alone without the support of a partner.
• Carers Allowance: A payment for people who are caring for someone who needs full-time care and attention.
• Jobseekers Allowance: A means-tested payment for people who are unemployed and looking for work.
• State Pension: A payment for people who have reached retirement age.

In Ireland, social welfare rates have been a topic of discussion, with calls for an increase in core social welfare rates to address poverty and income adequacy.