Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. You can get Child Benefit for children aged 16 and 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

Child Benefit is not paid for any child aged 18 or older, even if they are in full-time education or training.

Child Benefit is not taxable.

Budget 2024: New age limit

Child Benefit will be extended to children aged 18 who are in full-time education from September 2024. The new age limit will not apply before September 2024.

Rules for getting Child Benefit

Child Benefit is paid to the child’s mother or step-mother. If the child does not live with their mother or step-mother but lives with their father or step-father, Child Benefit can be paid to them. If a child is not living with or being maintained by their parents, the person caring for the child may get Child Benefit.

To qualify for Child Benefit, you must be living in Ireland and satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC).

Child Benefit is paid for a child aged under 16.

You can get child Benefit for a child aged 16 or 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

You should 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 your family came to live in Ireland or

The date you started working in Ireland if your children are living in another EU country