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 |
€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.
Effective from Checked
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.