Parents qualifying for Child Benefit can get up to €280 for each child.
In order to qualify, they must have proven close ties with Ireland and that they have been living in Ireland for some time with the intention to stay in the country for the foreseeable future. The scheme, approved in Budget 2023, applies to all applicants regardless of nationality.
Child Benefit is usually €140 a month for each child. For parents of 2 or more children the rate remains at €140 for each child, however the rate per child increases when it comes to multiple births, i.e. triplets, quadruplets, etc. For twins, Child Benefit is paid at €210 per month for each child, while for triplets and other multiple births, Child Benefit is paid at €280 per month for each child.
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Child 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 and 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
The child benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month and parents usually get the first payment the month after the child is born. The benefit is paid to parents and guardians fully supporting the children living with them that are under 16, or under 18 if in full-time education, full-time training or with a disability where they cannot support themselves.
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 instead, the 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.
The Child Benefit section of the Department of Social Protection will automatically send parents or guardians a claim form to complete when they register the birth of their child. The form also includes information on how to claim for the new baby online.
There is less hassle involved for those already getting Child Benefit as the new baby is added to the Child Benefit claim when they register the birth. Payment begins automatically from the month after the birth.
Parents whose child was not born in Ireland, or who did not register the birth within the required time which is three months, must fill in a Child Benefit form (CB1) and send it to the Child Benefit Section.
To find out more about the application process, visit the Department's official website.
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