Double Child Benifit

€400 is new payment for Double Child Benifit, check claim process in detail

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Double Child Benifit : In a significant boost for families across Ireland, the government has announced double Child Benefit payments as part of a comprehensive cost of living support package under Budget 2025.

This initiative provides substantial financial relief to hundreds of thousands of families with children, effectively doubling the standard monthly payment to €280 per child during two specific months.

With over 1.2 million children set to benefit, this represents one of the most wide-reaching support measures implemented this year.

This article provides a detailed guide on these payments, eligibility requirements, and the claiming process.

Understanding the Double Child Benefit Payment

The double Child Benefit payment forms part of a suite of cost of living measures announced in Budget 2025. Under normal circumstances, Child Benefit in Ireland is paid at a rate of €140 per month for each child.

However, under this special measure, eligible families will receive a doubled payment of €280 per child on two separate occasions.

Payment Dates and Structure

The double payments are structured as follows:

  1. First Double Payment: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
  2. Second Double Payment: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

These payments represent a significant boost, particularly for larger families. For example:

  • A family with one child will receive €280 (instead of €140) on each payment date
  • A family with two children will receive €560 (instead of €280) on each payment date
  • A family with three children will receive €840 (instead of €420) on each payment date

Approximately 667,000 families are expected to receive these double payments in respect of over 1.2 million children across Ireland.

Double Child Benifit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the double Child Benefit payment, applicants must meet the standard Child Benefit eligibility criteria:

Basic Eligibility

Child Benefit is paid to parents or guardians of:

  • Children under 16 years of age
  • Children aged 16, 17, and 18 who are in full-time education or full-time training, or who have a disability and cannot support themselves

Residency Requirements

To qualify for Child Benefit in Ireland, you must:

  • Be legally resident in Ireland
  • Satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC)
  • Have the child living with you in Ireland

EU regulations may apply if you or your children live in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, or if you work in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.

Special Cases

There are special provisions for multiple births:

  • For twins, Child Benefit is paid at 1.5 times the normal rate for each child
  • For triplets and other multiple births, Child Benefit is paid at double the normal rate for each child

This means that during the double payment months, families with twins or triplets will receive even larger sums.

Double Child Benifit The Claim Process

The good news for most families is that the double Child Benefit payments will be automatically paid to existing claimants. No separate application is needed if you are already receiving Child Benefit.

For Existing Child Benefit Recipients

If you are already receiving Child Benefit:

  1. The double payments will be processed automatically
  2. They will be paid into the same account where you normally receive your Child Benefit
  3. The payments will be made on November 5, 2024, and December 3, 2024

Double Child Benifit For New Applicants

If you have not yet claimed Child Benefit but are eligible, you should apply as soon as possible to ensure you receive the double payments. Here’s the process:

Online Application

The fastest and most convenient way to apply is online:

  1. Visit the Child Benefit section on MyWelfare.ie
  2. You will need your Public Services Card to verify your identity
  3. Provide all required information, including:
    • Your PPS number and that of your spouse/partner (if applicable)
    • Your child’s PPS number
    • Your bank account details
    • Birth certificate information (if available)

Postal Application

If you prefer to apply by post:

  1. Complete Child Benefit form CB1 (for new applications)
  2. If your child is 16 or over, also complete form CB2
  3. Send the completed form(s) with supporting documentation to the Child Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection

Documentation Required

When applying for Child Benefit, you may need:

  • Your child’s birth or adoption certificate (if available)
  • Your bank or building society account details
  • Your PPS number and that of your spouse/partner
  • If your child was born outside Ireland, you’ll need their passport or travel document used to enter Ireland

Double Child Benifit Backdating Provisions

Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date you make the claim.

Therefore, if you are eligible but have not yet applied, it’s advisable to do so before November to potentially benefit from the double payments.

Additional Supports Available

The double Child Benefit payments are part of a broader package of cost of living supports announced in Budget 2025. Other notable supports include:

  1. €400 Working Family Payment: A once-off payment to 46,000 households receiving the Working Family Payment, scheduled for November 7, 2024
  2. €300 Fuel Allowance Payment: A one-time payment to over 400,000 households in receipt of Fuel Allowance, to be paid in November 2024
  3. €400 Disability Support Payment: A once-off payment for people receiving Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, or Blind Pension, to be paid between November 6-8, 2024
  4. €400 Carer’s Support Payment: A one-time payment for those receiving the Carer’s Support Grant, to be paid in November 2024
  5. €100 Qualified Child Payment: A once-off payment for each qualifying child to families who receive an increase for a qualified child with their social welfare payment, to be paid from November 25, 2024

Double Child Benifit New Baby Grant

In addition to the double Child Benefit payments, Budget 2025 introduces a Newborn Baby Grant of €280, which will be paid in addition to the first month of Child Benefit (€140) for children born on or after December 1, 2024.

This brings the total payment for the first month to €420 per newborn.

For multiple births, the grant is multiplied accordingly:

  • Twins will receive a grant of €560 (€280 per child)
  • Triplets will receive a grant of €840 (€280 per child)

Double Child Benifit Changes to Report

To ensure you continue receiving the correct Child Benefit payments, you must report any changes in circumstances that could affect your entitlement. These include:

  • Change of address
  • If your child no longer lives with you
  • Changes to your bank account details
  • If your child aged 16 or over leaves full-time education
  • If you or your children leave Ireland
  • If you or your partner start work in another country

You can report these changes using Form CB56 or through your MyWelfare account.

Common Questions About Double Child Benefit Payments

When exactly will I receive the double payments?

The first double payment will be made on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and the second on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Is there an income limit for receiving Child Benefit?

No, Child Benefit in Ireland is a universal payment not subject to means testing. All families with eligible children can receive it regardless of income level.

What if I’m applying for Child Benefit for the first time?

New applicants should apply as soon as possible. If your application is approved before the double payment dates, you will receive the double payments.

Applications can be made online through MyWelfare.ie or by post using Form CB1.

Can I opt out of receiving Child Benefit?

Yes, Child Benefit is not mandatory. If you decide not to claim it for a new baby or want to stop receiving it for your children, you can contact the Child Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection.

What if my child turns 16 around the time of the double payments?

For children turning 16, Child Benefit continues automatically until the end of the academic year in which they turn 16.

After that, you need to confirm they are still in full-time education or training by completing form CB2. This ensures you continue receiving payments, including the double payments if applicable.

The Broader Context

The double Child Benefit payments come at a time when many families are facing increased financial pressures due to rising living costs.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has emphasized that these measures are designed to “ease the pressure and stress that many households are facing.”

Collectively, the various cost of living supports announced in Budget 2025 will inject over €415 million into the economy, benefiting more than 1.3 million people across Ireland.

The double Child Benefit payments represent a significant portion of this stimulus package, with approximately 667,000 families set to receive additional support.

Double Child Benifit Conclusion

The double Child Benefit payments of €280 per child represent a substantial financial boost for families across Ireland.

With two payments scheduled – one in November 2024 and another in December 2024 – eligible families will receive a total of €560 in additional support per child before the end of the year.

For most recipients, these payments will be processed automatically with no action required.

However, those who haven’t yet claimed Child Benefit should apply promptly to ensure they don’t miss out on this significant support measure.

As part of a broader package of cost of living supports, these double payments demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting families during challenging economic times.

By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, families can ensure they receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.

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