asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the very small number of children from lower income homes who receive a third level education, she will amend the social welfare code so that parents on social welfare can claim benefit or allowance in respect of dependants aged 18 or over who are in full time education.
Written Answers - Social Welfare Code.
13.
At present, increases in social welfare payments are generally payable in respect of child dependants up to age 18 years. However, special arrangements apply in the case of widow's pension, deserted wife's benefit or allowance, prisoners wife's allowance or unmarried mother's allowance where such increases may be awarded in respect of children up to the age of 21 years if they are receiving full time instruction by day at any university, college or other third level institution. This also applies where persons in one of these categories are in receipt of old age, retirement or invalidity pensions.
There are no plans at present to extend these arrangements to persons in receipt of other social welfare payments and any such proposal would have significant cost implications. However, the question of the different age limits for child dependency increases under the social welfare system will be examined in the light of the report of the Commission on Social Welfare.