Child Benefit

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education, attending Youthreach or has a disability. It is not a means tested payment.

You need to apply for Child Benefit within 12 months of:

• The birth of your baby or
• The month the child became a member of your family or
• The month the family came to live in Ireland.

If your baby is born in Ireland, when you register the birth the Department of Social Protection will begin a Child Benefit claim for your child:

• If you are not claiming Child Benefit for another child a new claim is created by the Department and a partially completed claim form is sent to you for your signature and payment details. The baby is also given a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
• If you are claiming Child Benefit for another child, your new baby is added to your Child Benefit claim and payment begins automatically from the month after the birth. A letter confirming payment will be sent to you by the Department. The baby is also given a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.

If your child is 16 or 17 years of age and in full-time education you will get Child Benefit until June.

Children aged 18 no longer get Child Benefit.

The rate of payment is €140 a month per child.