Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
183. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if a prepaid return envelope can be included when requests are issued from the child benefit section asking parents to confirm their children's details concerning continued entitlement to child benefit payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8418/24]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, the payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability.
I have secured approval to bring forward, from September to May, the extension of Child Benefit for 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or who have a disability.
From May 1st, Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education (including 3rd level), or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.
The measure is expected to benefit some 60,000 children annually.
Child Benefit scheme stopped issuing freepost envelopes to customers in 2017. There are no plans to change the automated process of issuing continuing eligibility certificates without a return envelope.
In cases where a customer writes freepost on an envelope or uses a freepost envelope from another scheme, the Department will accept the charges and ensure the documents are directed to the appropriate area within the Department.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
