Child Benefit
A monthly payment for every child who normally lives with you. It is not means-tested and does not depend on your PRSI record. If the child qualifies, you get it.
- Type
- Not means-tested
- Paid
- Every month
- Taxable
- No
- Administered by
- Department of Social Protection
How much is Child Benefit?
€140/month
1 child
| 2 children | €280/month |
|---|---|
| 3 children | €420/month |
| 4 children | €560/month |
| 5 children | €700/month |
| 6 children | €840/month |
| 7 children | €980/month |
| 8 children | €1,120/month |
Budget 2027: from January 2027
Amounts a month. Announced, not yet in force. Until January 2027 you are paid the current rate.
| Rate | Now | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | €140 | €140 |
| 2 children | €280 | €280 |
| 3 children | €420 | €420 |
| 4 children | €560 | €560 |
| 5 children | €700 | €700 |
| 6 children | €840 | €840 |
| 7 children | €980 | €980 |
| 8 children | €1,120 | €1,120 |
DSP: €140 a month for each child.
Read from Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, checked .
€140 per child per month. Twins are paid at one and a half times the rate; triplets and other multiple births are paid at double rate.
Who can get Child Benefit
- The child must normally live with you and be fully supported by you.
- The child must be under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education, in full-time training, or has a disability and cannot support themselves.
- Child Benefit is not paid for children aged 19 or over, even if they remain in education or training.
- You must meet the Habitual Residence Condition. This applies to everyone regardless of nationality.
Is Child Benefit means tested?
Child Benefit is not means-tested. Your income and savings are irrelevant to whether you qualify.
Things people get caught by
- Child Benefit is normally paid to the child's mother or step-mother.
- Getting Child Benefit does not affect any other social welfare payment. It sits outside the means test for most payments.
What else you might get
Payments interact. These are the ones that commonly go with Child Benefit.
- Working Family Payment
Paid alongside Child Benefit if you work enough hours and are on a low income.
- Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Separate means-tested payment for school costs.