Child Benefit

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. You can receive it until your child is aged 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.