€400 New Payment for Double Child Benefit: In an effort to support families during rising living costs, the Irish government has introduced a significant boost in the form of double Child Benefit payments as part of Budget 2025. This initiative promises to provide financial relief to households with children, effectively doubling the monthly payment to €280 per child in two specific months. This article covers all you need to know about the new payment, including the eligibility criteria, claiming process, and payment details.
What is the Double Child Benefit Payment?
As part of Budget 2025, the government has launched a special double Child Benefit payment to help ease the burden on families. Normally, Child Benefit in Ireland is paid at a rate of €140 per child every month. However, under this new initiative, eligible families will receive a doubled payment of €280 per child for two specific months.
This substantial increase in payments will benefit over 1.2 million children across Ireland, making it one of the largest support measures introduced in the country this year.
Payment Dates and How the Double Child Benefit Works
The double Child Benefit payments will be distributed as follows:
- First Double Payment: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Second Double Payment: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
These payments will significantly help larger families. Here’s a breakdown of how much families can expect:
- A family with one child will receive €280 on each payment date (instead of the usual €140).
- A family with two children will receive €560 on each payment date (instead of €280).
- A family with three children will receive €840 on each payment date (instead of €420).
In total, over 667,000 families with more than 1.2 million children are set to benefit from these enhanced payments.
Eligibility Criteria for Double Child Benefit Payments
To qualify for the double Child Benefit payments, you must meet the basic Child Benefit eligibility criteria. These include:
Basic Eligibility for Child Benefit
- Parents or guardians of children under 16 years old.
- Parents or guardians of children aged 16, 17, or 18, if they are in full-time education or training or have a disability preventing them from supporting themselves.
Residency Requirements
- Applicants must be legally resident in Ireland and satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC).
- The child must reside in Ireland.
For families living in other EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, or if you work outside Ireland, specific EU regulations may apply.
Special Provisions for Multiple Births
- Families with twins will receive 1.5 times the normal rate of Child Benefit for each child.
- Families with triplets or more will receive double the normal rate for each child.
Thus, those with twins or triplets will receive even larger sums during the double payment months.
Claiming the Double Child Benefit Payment
The good news for many families is that the double Child Benefit payments will be processed automatically for those who already receive Child Benefit. There’s no need to apply separately.
For Existing Child Benefit Recipients
- The double payments will be processed automatically.
- Payments will be deposited into the usual account where Child Benefit is normally paid.
- Payment dates are November 5, 2024, and December 3, 2024.
For New Applicants
If you’re a new applicant for Child Benefit, here’s how you can apply to ensure you receive the double payments:
Online Application
- Visit the Child Benefit section on MyWelfare.ie.
- You’ll need your Public Services Card to verify your identity.
- Provide necessary details, including:
- Your PPS number and your spouse’s or partner’s PPS number (if applicable).
- Your child’s PPS number.
- Bank account information.
- Birth certificate (if available).
Postal Application
- Complete the Child Benefit form CB1 (for new applications).
- If your child is over 16, also complete form CB2.
- Send the completed form(s) with necessary documents to the Child Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection.
Documentation You May Need
When applying for Child Benefit, you may need the following documents:
- Child’s birth or adoption certificate (if available).
- Bank account details.
- PPS numbers for you and your spouse/partner.
- Passport or travel document for children born outside Ireland.
Backdating Child Benefit
Child Benefit can be backdated up to 3 months from the date of your claim. If you qualify, applying before November will allow you to benefit from the double Child Benefit payments.
Additional Government Supports in Budget 2025
The double Child Benefit payment is part of a broader support package announced in Budget 2025, which also includes:
- €400 Working Family Payment: A one-time payment for 46,000 households, scheduled for November 7, 2024.
- €300 Fuel Allowance Payment: For over 400,000 households receiving Fuel Allowance, to be paid in November 2024.
- €400 Disability Support Payment: For recipients of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, or Blind Pension, to be paid between November 6-8, 2024.
- €400 Carer’s Support Payment: For those receiving the Carer’s Support Grant, to be paid in November 2024.
- €100 Qualified Child Payment: For families receiving a Qualified Child Payment through their social welfare, to be paid from November 25, 2024.
The New Baby Grant and Additional Benefits
Alongside the double Child Benefit, Budget 2025 introduces a Newborn Baby Grant of €280. This will be paid in addition to the first month’s Child Benefit (€140) for children born on or after December 1, 2024, bringing the total payment for the first month to €420. Multiple births will receive a higher grant:
- Twins: €560 (€280 per child)
- Triplets: €840 (€280 per child)
Reporting Changes to Maintain Correct Child Benefit Payments
To ensure you continue receiving the correct Child Benefit payments, you must report any changes in your circumstances. This includes:
- Change of address.
- If your child no longer lives with you.
- Changes to your bank account.
- If your child turns 16 and leaves full-time education.
- If you or your children leave Ireland.
You can report changes using Form CB56 or through your MyWelfare account.
FAQs
1. When will I receive the double payments?
The first payment will be made on November 5, 2024, and the second on December 3, 2024.
2. Is there an income limit for Child Benefit?
No, Child Benefit is a universal payment and is not subject to income limits.
3. What if I’m applying for Child Benefit for the first time?
Apply as soon as possible. If your application is approved before the double payment dates, you will receive the double payments.
4. Can I opt out of receiving Child Benefit?
Yes, you can opt out by contacting the Child Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection.
5. What if my child turns 16 around the time of the double payments?
Child Benefit continues automatically until the end of the academic year in which your child turns 16. If they leave full-time education, complete Form CB2 to confirm continued eligibility.
Conclusion: A Vital Financial Boost for Families
The double Child Benefit payments in 2025 offer crucial financial support to families in Ireland. With two payments set for November and December 2024, eligible families will receive an extra €560 per child by the year’s end. For most families, no additional action is required to receive the payments, while new applicants should apply promptly to benefit from this support.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, families can ensure they don’t miss out on this valuable assistance. This measure, alongside other cost of living supports, demonstrates the government’s commitment to helping households during challenging times.