It is in response to the significant number of 18-year-olds still in secondary schools across Ireland.
The Child Benefit scheme will be extended to 18-year-olds and brought forward ahead of schedule, it has been revealed.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries will ask the Cabinet to approve the extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds from 1 May, for those in full-time education or who have a disability.
Minister Humphries estimates that the extension of the scheme, which was originally due to come into action in September this year, will benefit around 60,000 families.
Child Benefit scheme will extend to 60,000 more children from May
The change to the Child Benefit scheme, which is paid at €130 per child per 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.
It is expected Ms Humphreys will seek to amend the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 bill, which is due before the Seanad later this week, in order to initiate the change.
Speaking as he arrived for the Cabinet meeting, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the move is “in recognition of the fact that it is increasingly normal for 18-year-olds to be in school or even just to start their first years in college while they are 18.”
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.
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