The changes were initially scheduled to take effect in September of this year after being introduced as part of Budget 2024 last year.

But in February, Heather Humphreys, the Minister of Social Protection, declared that it would be implemented on May 1.

Minister Humphreys stated in a statement, “This will benefit thousands of families right across the country, who up until now saw their Child Benefit end as soon as their child turned 18.”

“With many children now starting primary school at age five, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education,” she stated.

The minister estimates that the policy will help the families of around 60,000 18-year-olds.

The first Tuesday of each month is when child benefit is paid, with each kid receiving €140 per month.

As long as the Department has a valid education certificate, children who turn 18 after May 2023 and continue their full-time studies will be eligible for child benefit once more until they become 19 years old.

Effective immediately, the child benefit will be automatically renewed until the kid turns 19 or until the present certificate expires.

If parents or guardians need to give an updated schooling certificate, they will be notified immediately, according to the Department of Social Protection.