Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1126. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the increase for the qualified child payment has stopped for dependants over 18 years of age; if so, the steps she is taking to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39828/21]
View answerIncreases for a Qualified Child (IQCs) are paid as child-related supplements to most weekly social welfare payments in recognition of the need for greater incomes among benefit-dependent households with dependent children. There have been no changes to the arrangements in relation to children aged 18 to 22.
An IQC is payable in respect of qualified children until age 18 on all schemes where IQCs apply.
Where the dependent child is aged between 18 and 22 and in full-time education an IQC continues to be payable where the customer is in receipt of (i) a long-term payment, (ii) a short-term payment, such as Jobseeker's Benefit or Illness Benefit for 156 days, or (iii) has an accumulation of at least 156 days of relevant payments.
Where a student reaches 18 during the academic year, but the customer is in receipt of a short-term payment and does not satisfy the 156 days requirement, the IQC will continue to be paid in respect of that child up to the 30th June following their 18th birthday or until they complete the full-time day course, whichever is earlier.
Where a student reaches age 22 during an academic year, payment of the IQC is continued for the duration of that academic year, provided he or she remains in full-time education until then.
In Budget 2021, I increased the weekly rates of IQC payment to €38 for a child under 12 and to €45 for a child aged 12 or over.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
