Dublin: The Irish government has reached a decision in principle to raise the monthly child benefit by €10, increasing it from the current €140 to €150 per child. This increase is set to be officially announced in the Budget on October 1, as part of the government’s ongoing cost-of-living package.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that this will mark the first child benefit rate increase since 2016. Additionally, as part of Budget 2025, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has announced that parents will receive a double child benefit payment before Christmas, continuing the practice from previous years, where the December payment was double the regular amount.
The government is also expanding child welfare initiatives, including extending child benefit eligibility to students up to the age of 18. Other measures set to be included in the budget are the expansion of free schoolbook schemes and increased childcare support.
The average government spending per child is currently estimated at around €20 per month. This year’s social protection budget is expected to reach €25.2 billion, making it the largest welfare budget in Irish history. Minister Humphreys had initially pushed for a €20 increase in child benefit, though it remains to be seen if the Finance Minister will approve this. However, the Deputy Prime Minister has indicated that a €10 increase is likely.
The October 1 budget will be closely watched as the government rolls out additional measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families across Ireland.
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