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13th February 2024
01:07pm GMT
Plans to extend child benefits have been brought forward, according to reports.
The child benefit payment is being extended for all dependent offspring under the age of 19 who are in full-time education or have a disability from May.
This measure is being proposed by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, who estimates it will benefit approximately 60,000 families in Ireland.
After being flagged in the Budget last year, the Cabinet will be asked to approve the measure today, earlier than initially planned.
It was anticipated that the monthly payment of €140 per child would be introduced in September for dependents over the age of 18 in full-time education or with a disability, however, Minister Humphreys will tell her colleagues that it can be rolled out from May 1st.
These amendments are being implemented to assist families during the rising cost of living.
Minister Humphreys is expected to introduce the changes to the child benefit payment by amending the Social Welfare Bill, which is due before the Seanad this week.
The payment will extend to children whose 19th birthday falls in May – but someone turning 19 on April 30th will not be in arrears of the payment.
An announcement confirming the measures is expected today.
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