Dublin: The government has introduced a new verification measure aimed at preventing fraud in Ireland’s child benefit system. The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that parents must now submit a self-declared Continuing Eligibility Certificate in order to continue receiving monthly child benefit payments.
Under the current scheme, families receive €140 per month per child. The new certification process is being introduced as part of wider reforms to the country’s social welfare system.
Dara Calleary is also expected to introduce a new €285 child support payment under the planned welfare reforms.
The department said the new certificate is intended to identify and prevent fraudulent claims, particularly in cases where children are no longer residing in Ireland but payments continue to be claimed.
According to officials, forms have now been issued to approximately 675,000 parents across the country. Recipients must complete and return the form within 28 days. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of child benefit payments.
The Continuing Eligibility Certificate requires parents to provide updated information regarding their children’s residence, schooling and overall eligibility for the benefit.
The Department of Social Protection said the verification exercise is carried out every two years to ensure that recipients continue to meet the conditions required for the payment.
Parents are also required to inform the department of any change in circumstances that could affect their entitlement to child benefit.
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