Social Welfare: Changes to Child Benefit payment to take effect from May

The measure is expected to benefit around 60,000 children every year

The payment will be extended for all dependent offspring that are 18 years old and in full-time education, or have a disability, up until their 19th birthday.

This measure was flagged as part of Budget 2024 and was due to come into effect in September.

However, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, sought approval from Cabinet to implement the changes sooner.

As the legislation has now been passed in the Dáil, it will come into effect from May 1st.

Speaking on the expansion of the child benefit payment, Minister Humphreys said she was delighted to see the Dáil fast-track the legislation ahead of September after she secure Cabinet approval.

“Child Benefit is a vital support for so many working families and this extension will benefit thousands of families right across the country, who up until now saw their Child Benefit cease as soon as their child turned 18," she said.

Any family presently out of payment, with a dependant in full education or with a disability, will have their payment reinstated.

Over the next number of weeks, the Department will start to communicate directly with families that will benefit from this measure.

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