Major cash boost for Irish families comes into effect today

It is set to benefit 60,000 families.

The child benefit scheme is now extended to 18-year-olds who remain in full-time education or who have a disability.

Announced as part of last year's budget, the extension was originally due to come into action in September last year.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries estimates that the extension of the scheme will benefit around 60,000 families around the country.

"This will benefit thousands of families right across the country, who up until now saw their Child Benefit end as soon as their child turned 18," Minister Humphreys said in a statement.

"With many children now starting primary school at age five, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education," she added.

📢Minister @HHumphreysFG announces Child Benefit to be paid in respect of 18-year-olds from next week

Child Benefit extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability

Families of an additional 60,000 children set to benefit annually

ℹ️ https://t.co/QRLspEwZHk pic.twitter.com/Gnr6OOA0rT

— Department of Social Protection (@welfare_ie) May 1, 2024

Child Benefit scheme now extends to around 60,000 more children.

The change to the Child Benefit scheme, which is paid at €140 per child on the first Tuesday of every month, is being introduced due to to the significant number of 18-year-olds still in secondary schools across Ireland.

It is also set as a helping hand to assist families struggling with the rising cost of living crisis.

Children who turned 18 after May 2023 and remain in full-time education will be eligible for child benefit again until their 19th birthday.

In terms of the practicalities of the benefit for parents and guardians, it is not necessary to reapply if the child is in full-time education and the Department holds a current education certificate.

The payment will continue for as long as a valid education certificate is in place or until the child turns 19, whichever comes first.

The Department of Social Protection has said that parents or guardians will be contacted directly if they need to provide an updated education certificate.

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