Calls Grow to Increase Stagnant Child Benefit as €140 Rate Remains Unchanged for Nearly a Decade
Dublin – Concerns are growing over the stagnation of Child Benefit payments in Ireland, with critics highlighting that the current rate of €140 per child has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. Amid rising inflation and increasing costs of living, advocacy groups are urging the government to significantly raise the payment to better support low-income families.
Child Benefit is a universal monthly payment provided to families to assist with the costs of raising children. While it is intended as a vital support, particularly for struggling households, its real value has been eroded by inflation, according to Social Justice Ireland, which has called for a €50 increase in the 2025 Budget, raising the payment to €190 per child.
Despite the government’s commitment last year to tackling child poverty, progress has been limited. Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that more than 844,700 people—including 262,700 children—are living below the minimum standard of living in Ireland. The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) reveals that the bottom 20% of households are disproportionately impacted by inflation, particularly in areas such as food, housing, and energy.
Additional Supports for Welfare Recipients
In addition to the standard Child Benefit, families receiving social welfare supports receive supplementary payments of €50 per child under 12 and €62 per child over 12. However, Social Justice Ireland argues that a universal increase is essential to address broader systemic issues.
“Children cannot be separated from families experiencing fundamental poverty,” said Susan Rogers, a research and policy expert at Social Justice Ireland. “A comprehensive response must include increased child benefit, as well as actions across housing, education, health, and income inequality.”
Child Benefit is typically paid on the first Tuesday of every month, and is regarded as one of the most effective tools for reducing child poverty due to its universal and non-means-tested nature.
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