Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Questions (373)

Frankie Feighan

Question:

373. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would provide clarification as to whether children who turned 18 this year but are still attending secondary school are entitled to have their child benefit reinstated after the recent budget 2024 announcement, noting that if this measure only came into effect from September 2024, this would put all leaving certificate students who turn 18 years of age before completing their secondary school education next year at a disadvantage; and if a student decides after their leaving certificate to continue with full-time education, if they would be entitled then to receive the extended child benefit. [53788/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The 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.