Child Benefit is to be extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability from May 1st 2024.
The changes come four months earlier than scheduled, following the passing of legislation in the Dáil.
This means that from May 1st, Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.
The measure will benefit around 60,000 children annually.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today emphasised that for any family that is currently out of payment – but their child is 18 and in full education or has a disability – their payment will be reinstated. In the coming weeks, the Department will begin communicating directly with families that will benefit from this measure.
The Department of Social Protection will be in contact with all recipients of Child Benefit over the coming months to advise of the next steps.
