Child Benefit extension to kick in from May 1

Minister Humphreys confirms those aged 18 will continue to receive payment until their 19th birthday provided they are in full-time education

Legislation has passed in the Dáil to extend Child Benefit to those aged 18 years from May 1, provided they are in full-time education.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, secured the agreement in Budget 2024 with the measure due to be implemented from September.

However, the Minister recently secured Cabinet approval to introduce the changes four months earlier from May 1.

Legislation has now been passed in the Dáil to give effect to these changes.

This means that from May 1, Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is aged 18 years 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 explained that for any family 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.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said: "Child Benefit is a vital support for so many working families and this extension will benefit thousands of families right across the country, who up until now saw their Child Benefit cease as soon as their child turned 18."

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.

As the measure comes into effect in May, there will be no payment for any intervening period up to May 2024.

For those individuals who need to update their payment details, the quickest and easiest way to change payment details is online at MyWelfare.ie