Child Benefit is a monthly payment provided to parents or guardians of children under 16 years old. This benefit extends until the child turns 18 if they are in full-time education, training, or have a disability preventing them from financially supporting themselves.
Eligibility for Child Benefit
The Department of Social Protection typically pays Child Benefit to the child’s mother or stepmother. Fathers or stepfathers can receive the payment if the child does not live with their mother or stepmother. Additionally, if you care for a child who isn’t living with or supported by their parents, you may be eligible for Child Benefit.
In cases where a child splits time between two households (such as separated parents), the payment goes to the parent with whom the child resides most of the time. If time is equally split, the mother receives the payment.
Requirements for Receiving Child Benefit
To qualify for Child Benefit, you must reside in Ireland and meet the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC). Your child must be:
– Under 16 years old, or
– 16 to 18 years old and in full-time education or training, or
– 16 to 18 years old with a disability and unable to support themselves.
Restrictions
You cannot claim Child Benefit for a child in a detention facility.
Additionally, Child Benefit is not available if your child:
– Is hospitalized or in residential care for over 12 weeks (unless you continue to spend money on their needs).
– Is 16 or older, not in full-time education or training, and works more than 24 hours a week.
– Has been in prison or custody in the past 8 weeks.
– Has been under the care of a local authority for the past 8 weeks.
– Receives income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, tax credits, Income Support, or Employment and Support Allowance.
– Is married or in a civil partnership, unless they do not live with their partner or their partner is in full-time education or training.
Receiving Child Benefit will not reduce other benefit payments unless the Benefit Cap applies. The Benefit Cap affects those receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
