The Minister for Social Protection is set to announce plans to bring forward the child benefit age extension.
During last year’s Budget, it was confirmed that the Government intended to extend the age range of child benefit, so that children aged 18 could avail of it.
At the time, Cabinet noted that the new measures would likely not be introduced until September of this year.
However, it has now been revealed that the plans have been brought forward by several months, and will now be implemented from May 2024.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, will ask for Cabinet’s approval today to bring forward her plans.
All dependent children under the age of 19 - meaning those who are in full-time education or who have a disability - will be able to receive the payment from May 1.
The monthly payment will amount to €140 per child, meaning that families will benefit from €1,120 for this year. It is believed that the families of around 60,000 18-year-olds in Ireland will be eligible for this extended payment.
As the scheme is being brought forward by four months, families will be receiving €560 more than if the initial plans had been held off until September.
For families qualifying with an 18-year-old, the parent/guardian does not need to reapply for child benefit if the child is in full-time education and the Department already has a current education certificate.
The child benefit payment will continue until either the education certificate becomes out of date, or the child turns 19, whichever comes first.
If the education certificate expires before the child’s 19th birthday, a new education certificate will be sent to the parent/guardian, and must be completed and returned in order for child benefit payments to continue.
Any families who need to update their payment methods can do so at MyWelfare.ie.
