Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
752. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of 18-year-olds that will now qualify for child benefit on foot of the recent changes introduced, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14154/24]
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.
Child Benefit is paid in respect of 1.2 million children and eligibility will be extended for all of these children from May 2024. 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.
While a full county breakdown will not be available until the measure takes effect in May, it is expected the measure will benefit approximately 60,000 children annually.
