Poll: Should child benefit be means-tested?

It’s one of the few remaining universal payments, but should it depend on how much money the parents make?

A POLL IN the Irish Independent today found that a majority of voters are in favour of introducing some kind of means-testing for child benefit.

As it stands, child benefit is one of the few remaining universal social welfare payments – every family receives a payment for each child, regardless of their income. The rate is €130 per month for each child under 16 years of age, or 18 if the child is in full-time education.

So today we’re asking: Should child benefit be means-tested?

Poll Results:

Yes, it should be means-tested (5920)

No, it should be for everyone (3540)

I'm not sure (647)

Yes, it should be means-tested
No, it should be for everyone
I'm not sure

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