Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Child Benefit has now been paid for 750 over 18-year-olds in County Roscommon for the very first time, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Child Benefit is available to anyone across the country who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday, and is paid at a rate of €140 per month.
To date, this measure has benefited over 58,000 young people in full-time education or with a disability.
I received an update from my colleague Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD and I am delighted to see 750 young people and their families in County Roscommon benefitting from this extension of child benefit, a vital support for hard working families.
This measure, which has now been successfully implemented by the Government, is making a tangible difference in the pockets of families throughout the county.
Children in Roscommon are starting primary school a bit later, at age 5, and many are also doing transition year in secondary school.
The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability is a long-term improvement that will support all families across Roscommon and into the future.
In the case of a child who turned 18 after May 2023 and remains in full-time education, they will be eligible again from May 2024 until their 19th birthday. The parent or guardian does not need to reapply if the child is in full-time education and the Department holds a current education certificate.
If the education certificate expires before the 19th birthday, a new certificate will be issued to the parent or guardian, which must be completed and returned to resume Child Benefit payments.
In the case of a child that turns 18 after May 2024, Child Benefit will automatically be extended until the 19th birthday or the expiry date of the current certificate.
This change ensures that no child or family in Roscommon misses out on the support they need during critical educational years, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind as they pursue their studies and prepare for the future.
