Child Benefit in Ireland

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to parents or guardians to help support their children. It is currently paid at a rate of €140 per month for each eligible child.

Child Benefit is not means-tested and is not taxable.

It is normally paid for a child who:

Is under 16 years of age
Is aged 16, 17 or 18 and is in full-time education or full-time training
Is aged 16, 17 or 18, has a disability and is unable to support themselves

Child Benefit is not paid for anyone aged 19 or older, even if they remain in full-time education or training.

Who receives Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is generally paid to the person with whom the child normally lives and who is responsible for supporting them.

If parents live together, it is usually paid to the child’s mother or stepmother. However, the parents may nominate the father or stepfather to receive it.

If the child does not live with or is not being supported by their parents, Child Benefit may be paid to the person caring for the child.

Habitual Residence Condition

To qualify for Child Benefit, you must normally live in Ireland and satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.

Different rules may apply if you work in Ireland while your children live in another EU or EEA country or Switzerland.

When to apply

Depending on your circumstances, you should apply for Child Benefit within 12 months of:

The birth of your baby
The month the child joined your family
The month your family came to live in Ireland
The date you began working in Ireland, if your children live in another EU country

If your baby is born in Ireland and you register the birth within three months, the Department of Social Protection will usually begin the Child Benefit claim process automatically.

You may need to provide confirmation that a child aged 16, 17 or 18 is continuing in full-time education or training.

For the latest eligibility and application information, visit Child Benefit on gov.ie.