Child Benefit is a monthly payment of €140 to support parents and guardians. It is paid for each child who:
- normally lives with you and is being fully supported by you
- is under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education, full-time training or has a disability and cannot support themselves
Child Benefit is not paid on behalf of children 19 or older, even if they stay in education or training.
The below measures were announced in Budget 2024 regarding Child Benefit
- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children to be paid on 5 December 2023
- Child Benefit will be extended to children aged 18 who are in full-time education from May 2024
To qualify for Child Benefit, you must meet the Habitual Residence Condition. This applies to all applicants regardless of nationality.
Child Benefit is normally paid to the child’s mother or step-mother. If the child does not live with their mother or step-mother but lives with their father or step-father, Child Benefit can be paid to them.
If the child is not living with or being maintained by their parents, the person caring for the child may get Child Benefit.
| Number of Children | Monthly Child Benefit Payment |
| One Child | €140 |
| Twins | €210 for each child (1½ times the single rate for one child) |
| Other Multiple Births | €280 for each child (double the rate for one child) |
Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. You usually get your first payment the month after your child is born.
- If your baby is born in Ireland and you are not already claiming Child Benefit for any other children, our Child Benefit Section will automatically send you a claim form to complete when you register the birth of your child. This form also includes information on how to claim for your new baby online.
- If you are already getting Child Benefit, your new baby is added to your Child Benefit claim when you register their birth and payment begins automatically from the month after the birth.
- If your child is not born in Ireland, or their birth is not registered within the required time (3 months), you must fill in Child Benefit form (CB1) and send it to the Child Benefit Section.
- A CB2 application form must also be filled out for each child aged 16,17 or 18 years.
To apply for Child Benefit through MyWelfare.ie. You must have a verified MyGovID to use this service and you must also have a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). The baby will also be given a PPS number.
Please note that you can only claim online if you are invited to do so by the Department
Application Form: Child Benefit (CB1)
Edition: February 2024
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Child Benefit for a child aged 16, 17 or 18 (CB2)
Edition: April 2024
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Application Form: Change of events that may affect your Child Benefit claim (CB56)
Edition: February 2024
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Child Benefit Section
Address:
Child Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, St Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 T449.
Website:
Email:
Phone number:
Operational guidelines describe the processes and procedures that staff in the department follow when carrying out their work.