As part of the government’s efforts to combat the cost of living crisis, more than 630,000 families will receive a double child benefit payment beginning today.
The €280 payment is being made to 1.2 million children in 638,000 families, according to Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.
The €280 payment was issued today to families as part of the government’s efforts to assist households with the rising cost of living.
Budget 2023 announced a range of social protection supports, including an increase in core welfare payments of €12. The overall social welfare package is worth €2.2 billion.
1.4 million people received the Autumn double social welfare payment.on Monday, 17 October.
The double Child Benefit payment will be received by 638,000 families into bank accounts from today, costing a total of €170 million.
The Child Benefit is a monthly payment of €140 to support parents and guardians.
It is paid for each child who
- normally lives with you and is being fully supported by you
- is under 16, or under 18 if in full-time education, full-time training or has a disability and cannot support themselves
The Child Benefit is not paid for children over the age of 18, even if they continue to attend school or training.
“638,000 families will receive a double Child Benefit payment this week to support them with the cost of living. this means that €280 will be paid in respect of 1.2 million children across the State,” Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said today.
“Child benefit is an extremely important income support that reaches hundreds of thousands of hardworking families,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Fuel Allowance lump sum of €400 will be paid during the week beginning November 14, along with the Living Alone Allowance lump sum of €200.
A €500 cost of living payment to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment, and a €500 disability support grant to people receiving Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension will also be paid that week.
From 21 November, over 130,000 carers in receipt of the Carers Support Grant will receive a one-off €500 payment.
The ministers also announced that the Christmas Bonus will be paid twice in the week beginning December 5th.