In a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on families with 18-year-old students with disabilities, the Irish government has approved the extension of child benefit benefits. Effective May 1, this support will be granted to students pursuing full-time education.
The monthly child benefit, set at 140 euros, is anticipated to benefit approximately 60,000 families, particularly those facing economic hardships due to the escalating costs associated with education. The decision comes as a response to the increasing number of 18-year-old students at the second level facing financial challenges, with some compelled to abandon their studies.
Social Security Minister Heather Humphreys is expected to present a new bill, featuring the proposed amendment, later this week. Originally slated for implementation in September, the government opted to expedite the initiative to May, recognizing the urgent need to address the financial struggles of families.
Acknowledging the rising expenses of students in both college and school, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar stated that this modification to the child benefit scheme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families grappling with the financial strains of education.
Louis Bayliss, founder of Spark, hailed the decision as a “game changer” for financially disadvantaged children, emphasizing its potential to curb the trend of students dropping out of school due to economic pressures.
This move is anticipated to offer crucial financial relief to families, reducing the likelihood of students abandoning their education prematurely for economic reasons.