Child benefit is a universal payment which is payable in respect of all children up to the age of 16 years and continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability. I am pleased to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that this week the highest ever increases in child benefits are coming into effect – an increase of £25 on the lower rate and £30 on the higher rate. In addition, this year the implementation date for payment of the increases has been brought forward by three months.
Entitlement to child benefit in respect of children who are over 18 years is not contingent on whether their parents are working, as the scheme is neutral vis-à-vis the employment status of the parents.
In the case of child dependent allowances, CDAs, which are payable with social welfare payments, distinct criteria for entitlement to CDAs apply depending on whether the child is over or under 18 years. Briefly, CDAs are payable in all cases up to the age of 18 years. In addition, where a parent is receiving a pension or other long-term payment from my Department, CDAs are paid up to age 22 where the young person remains in full-time education. In the case of short-term payments, CDAs are only paid up to the age of 18. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Government is committed to extending child dependent allowances to all social welfare recipients where the child is under 22 and in full-time education in the lifetime of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
