Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
456. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full payment of child benefit will be approved for a person (details supplied) and their partner, as both are in the process of establishing their home again in Ireland, having spent several years abroad; and if she will expedite a positive decision. [19086/24]
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 16,17 and 18, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
The person concerned and her family returned to Ireland on 23 December 2023 and an application for Child Benefit was received in this office on 27 February 2024.
As her spouse was employed in the United Kingdom, the claim had to be decided under the Convention of Social Security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
According to the above regulations, the country of employment pays the family benefits. The other State considers entitlement to a supplement payment, based on residency in that State.
For the period from 01 January 2024 to 31 March 2024, the United Kingdom was the primary competent state for paying Child Benefit and Ireland was secondary competent and therefore paid the supplement rate of payment.
The supplement is the difference between the rate of UK Child Benefit and Irish Child Benefit.
Ireland became the primary competent state for paying Child Benefit when Irish employment commenced on 04 March 2024.
The person concerned was awarded full-rate Child Benefit from 01 April 2024 and was notified of this decision on 27 March 2024. All arrears were paid to their nominated account on 16 April 2024.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
