Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
783. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if the extension of child benefit payment to 18-year-olds who are still in school will apply to those whose 18th birthday falls between now and September 2024; if those families will lose the payment between the child's birthday and September 2024; if not if, they will lose it entirely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48722/23]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves. The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024.This is a significant change to the Child Benefit payment which will require technical and operational changes to the social welfare system before implementation. For this reason, the change will take effect from September 2024. Where a child in full time education turns 18 in the meantime, they will be covered by the extension from September 2024 until they turn 19.
With many children now starting primary school at age 5, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18 year olds still in secondary education. I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18 year olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future. I hope this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
