All we know about the Government’s plans to extend child benefit

Child benefit payments will be extended in May, Heather Humphries has confirmed

The payment has been extended to families with children aged 18 in full-time education, as well as those who have a disability.

It is understood that 60,000 families are set to benefit from the expansion.

The change to child benefit payments was not set to be introduced until September but has since been moved up to May.

How much is the child benefit payment?

Those eligible for the child benefit payment will receive €140 per child per month. The extension was introduced in a bid to help families with the ongoing cost of living crisis. It was also introduced to acknowledge the vast number of teenagers in full-time education in Ireland.

Every parent in Ireland is entitled to it regardless of their income. It is not means tested, unlike other welfare payments.

Speaking about the move, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "It is in recognition of the fact that it is increasingly normal for 18-year-olds to be in school or even just to start their first years in college while they are 18."

Minister Heather Humphreys also said: "Delighted to have secured Cabinet approval for my proposals to extend Child Benefit to 18 years olds from May 1st. This is going to benefit around 60,000 children who are in full-time education or have a disability."

Many parents believe this extension is going to be a game-changer, especially during the cost of living crisis.

Who receives the child benefit payment?

The money is not given directly to the child, but it is given to the child's mother. According to Citizens Information, the payment is typically paid to their mother or stepmother. If they live with their father or step-father then the payment can also be paid to them.

For children who do not live with their parents and are being cared for by another family parent or guardian then the guardian may get the payment instead.

You can learn more about the child benefit payment here.

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