Minister Humphreys Announces Expansion of Child Benefit Program
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a significant milestone in the Child Benefit program. Since May 1, 2024, Child Benefit has been extended to include 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or have a disability, benefitting nearly 60,000 young people across Ireland.
This extension means that 18-year-olds can receive Child Benefit of €140 per month until their 19th birthday, provided they meet the criteria. The change aims to support families whose children start primary school later or participate in transition year during secondary school.
Minister Humphreys expressed her satisfaction with the new measure, saying, “I am delighted to see so many young people and their families benefitting from this extension of child benefit, a vital support for hard-working families.”
County Breakdown of Beneficiaries:
- Carlow: 812
- Cavan: 972
- Clare: 1,379
- Cork: 7,522
- Donegal: 1,877
- Dublin: 13,837
- Galway: 3,140
- Kerry: 1,591
- Kildare: 3,149
- Kilkenny: 1,252
- Laois: 973
- Leitrim: 321
- Limerick: 2,358
- Longford: 527
- Louth: 1,783
- Mayo: 1,722
- Meath: 2,574
- Monaghan: 893
- Offaly: 949
- Roscommon: 751
- Sligo: 765
- Tipperary: 2,082
- Waterford: 1,650
- Westmeath: 1,139
- Wexford: 2,011
- Wicklow: 2,135
This new measure ensures that families do not need to reapply if their child is in full-time education and the Department of Social Protection holds a valid education certificate. Payments will continue until the child’s 19th birthday or the certificate expires. The department will contact parents or guardians if an updated certificate is required.
For more information or to update payment details, parents and guardians can visit MyWelfare.ie.