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Child Benefit: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how to claim monthly payments for each of your children under 16 or 18 in education.

Child Benefit is a monthly payment provided to help families manage the costs of raising children.

Who it's for

This scheme is designed for parents who are raising children in Ireland. You qualify to receive these payments for children who are under 16 years of age. If your child is older than 16 but remains in education, you may still be eligible to receive the benefit until they reach 18.

What you get

The benefit is paid as a monthly amount to help cover the day-to-day costs of childcare and household expenses. You will receive a set monthly amount for each child you are raising. Please check the official government portal to confirm the current specific payment amount for each child.

What it costs you

There is no monetary fee to apply for this scheme. However, you will need to spend some time gathering the necessary documentation to prove eligibility. You must have your child's birth certificate ready and you will need your Personal Public Service (PPS) number to complete the registration.

The catch to know

It is important to act quickly when a new child enters your household. To ensure you receive your payments correctly, you must submit your application within 12 months of your child's birth. If you wait longer than this timeframe, you may miss out on payments for that period.

How to apply

  1. Locate your child's birth certificate.
  2. Ensure you have your PPS number available for the application form.
  3. Visit the official government welfare portal.
  4. Follow the online instructions to submit your claim via https://www.mywelfare.ie.