Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
290. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection whether she plans to extend child benefit payments to young people over the age of 18 years who are in full-time education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49411/23]
View answerThe extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024. The measure is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 18 year olds each year at an estimated cost of €21.6 million in 2024.
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.
This is a significant change to the Child Benefit scheme 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.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
