Child Benefit Ireland
Child Benefit in Ireland was formerly called Children’s Allowance. Child Benefit is payable 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 or has a disability. Child Benefit is paid at one and a half times the monthly rate for twins, and at double the monthly rate for triplets and other multiple births. Child Benefit was increase by €5 to €135 in the budget in 2015.
You need to apply for Child Benefit within twelve month of the birth of you baby or the month the family came to live in Ireland. If you dont apply on time you will generally get Child Benefit from the first day of the month after your application is greceived by The Department of Social Protection.
Birth of Your Baby
The Department of Social Protection will automatically start a Child Benefit claim for your child if your child is born in Ireland once you register the birth.
If you're not claiming Child Benefit for another child a partly completed claim form is sent to your signature and payment details. This form also includes tips on how exactly to make a claim online. If you are claiming for another child your baby is added to your Child Benefit claim and payment starts automatically in the month after the birth. The Department will sends to you personally a letter verifying payment. The baby is also given a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
EU Regulations
EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals working in Ireland satisfy the habitual residence state for Child Benefit. This is also the situation if the worker becomes unemployed and gets Jobseeker’s Benefit. You can learn more about EU regulations and Family Benefits in Part 9 of the EU Guidelines on the Department of Social Protection’s website. You may also contact the Child Benefit Section for more information on how Child Benefits affect.
Non-EU/EEA citizens must be resident to qualify for Child Benefit. If you are a non-EU/ EEA citizen and legally working in this State, you may qualify for Child Benefit if your child is also resident here.
Swiss nationals covered by EU regulations and EU/EEA citizens are required to certify every four months that they continue to work in this State. Non-EU/EEA citizens may also be required to certify that they and their children continue to live in this State.
Fraudulent Claims
Punishments for misleading or false statements made to get Child Benefit for any individual, or for you, include big fines or prison for around 3 years.
Multiple Births
Twins - 1.5 times the monthly rate of one child
Triplets - 2 times the monthly rate of one child
For Further Advice
Where to employ Child Benefit Area Department of Social Protection Social Welfare Services Office St Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Donegal. Tel: 074 916 4400 Locall: 1890 400 400 www.welfare.ie you are able to email the Child Benefit section using the secure enquiry form on the site.
1 child €135.00
2 children €270.00
3 children €405.00
4 children €540.00
5 children €675.00
6 children €810.00
7 children €945.00
8 children €1,080.00
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