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:

  • Normally lives with you and is fully supported by you
  • 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 fully supporting them.

It is normally paid to the child’s mother or stepmother. If the child does not live with their mother or stepmother but lives with their father or stepfather, Child Benefit may be paid to them.

If the child is not living with or 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 satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. This applies to all applicants, regardless of nationality.

Different rules may apply under EU social security regulations 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, registering the birth begins the Child Benefit process:

  • If you are not already receiving Child Benefit, the Department of Social Protection will normally send you a claim form or information on applying online.
  • If you are already receiving Child Benefit for another child, your new baby will normally be added to your claim automatically.
  • If the birth is not registered within three months, you will need to complete a Child Benefit application form.

A CB2 form is required for a child aged 16, 17 or 18. The Department may ask for confirmation that the child continues to qualify because they are in full-time education or training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

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