Over 2,300 young people in Limerick get child benefit pay for the first time

MORE than 2,300 young people in Limerick have received pay packets as per the extended child benefit scheme. 

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, secured government approval to extend child benefit payments to 18-year-olds from May 1.

2,358 18-year-olds in Limerick and have been paid since May. Child benefit is paid at a rate of €140 per month.

The 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.

To date, the measure has benefited 58,164 young people across Ireland.

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“I am delighted to see so many young people and their families benefiting from this extension of child benefit, a vital support for hard-working families,” said Minister Humphreys.

“Children are starting primary school that little bit later at age five and many are also doing transition year as part of their secondary school education. 

“The extension of Child Benefit is a long term change for the better, which will support all families across Ireland into the future.”

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

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.

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.