Extended child benefit reaches over 300 families in Leitrim

An announcement was made today that Child Benefit has now been paid in respect of almost 60,000 18-year-olds for the very first time.

The announcement was made by Heather Humphreys TD, the Minister for Social Protection.

Child Benefit is now being paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday. Child Benefit is paid at a rate of €140 per month.

Minister Humphreys secured Government approval to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds from May 1, 2024.

To date, the measure has benefited over 58,000 young people who are in full time education or who have a disability.

In Leitrim, 321 families are now receiving this extended support. 

Sligo-Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan said: “I am delighted to see so many young people and their families in Leitrim benefitting from this extension of child benefit, a vital support for hard working families.

“This measure, which has now been successfully implemented by the Government, is making a tangible difference in the pockets of families throughout the county.

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“Children in Leitrim are starting primary school a bit later, at age 5, and many are also doing transition year in secondary school.

“The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability is a long- term improvement that will support all families across Leitrim into the future," Deputy Feighan remarked.

In the case of a child who turned 18 after May 2023 and they are still in full-time education, they will be eligible again from May 2024 up to their 19th birthday.

The parent/guardian does not need to reapply if the child is in full-time education and the Department holds a current education certificate. 

“This ensures, in my view, that no family or child in Leitrim misses out on the support they need in their critical education years. It provides them with financial stability and peace of mind as they pursue their studies and prepare for the future,” said Cllr Enda McGloin.

“In my view, this is a direct support to middle income earners in particular. Children of that particular age are at an expensive age, in terms of what parents have to do to support them and many families in some cases don’t benefit from the likes of grants through the SUSI system. 

“This source of income is very welcome for those people who, in many cases, benefit from very little state supports.

“It’s great to see so many in Leitrim benefiting from it,” Cllr McGloin concluded.

The payment will be reactivated from May 2024 as long as the certificate is valid and payment will continue until for as long as a valid education certificate is in place or the child turns 19, whichever comes first.

In cases where the education certificate expires prior to the 19th birthday, a new education certificate will be issued to the parent/guardian before it expires. 

This must be completed and returned to allow payment of Child Benefit to resume.

If the child turned 18 after May 2024, Child Benefit will automatically be extended to either the 19th birthday or the expiry date of the current certificate.

The Department will be directly in contact with a parent/guardian if they need to provide an updated education certificate.

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