# Everything You Need To Know About Child Benefit Ireland ## What is Child Benefit? Child Benefit Ireland is a monthly payment made to parents or guardians of children living in Ireland. It is a tax-free payment and it is paid regardless of income or employment status. **Who is eligible for Child Benefit?** You are eligible for Child Benefit if you are: * The parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16 * Living in Ireland * Responsible for the day-to-day care of the child **How much is Child Benefit?** The amount of Child Benefit you receive depends on the age of your child. The current rates are: * €140 per month for children under 12 * €160 per month for children aged 12 to 16 **How do I apply for Child Benefit?** You can apply for Child Benefit online, by phone, or by post. The easiest way to apply is online. You can find the online application form on the Citizens Information website. **When will I receive my first payment?** You will receive your first payment within 6 weeks of applying. Payments are made on the first Tuesday of every month. ## Changes to Child Benefit There have been a number of changes to Child Benefit in recent years. These changes include: * The age limit for Child Benefit was increased from 16 to 18 in 2011. * The amount of Child Benefit was increased in 2012 and 2013. * The rules around who is eligible for Child Benefit were changed in 2014. **Future changes to Child Benefit** The government has announced plans to make further changes to Child Benefit in the future. These changes include: * Increasing the amount of Child Benefit again * Extending the age limit for Child Benefit to 21 * Introducing a new payment for children with disabilities **Other benefits for families** In addition to Child Benefit, there are a number of other benefits available to families in Ireland. These benefits include: * Family Income Supplement * Working Family Payment * One-Parent Family Payment * Disability Allowance * Carer's Allowance You can find out more about these benefits on the Citizens Information website.
