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The Budget announcements are being made this afternoon. Shutterstock/H_Ko
Thinking of the children
Two double child benefits before Christmas and a €420 'baby boost' for birth of a child
Finance Minister Jack Chambers confirmed the so-called ‘Baby Boost’ payment this afternoon.
TWO DOUBLE CHILD benefit payments and a €420 payment for the birth of a child have been included in the Budget revealed by the government today.
Finance Minister Jack Chambers confirmed this afternoon that the so-called ‘Baby Boost’ payment will grant a triple child benefit payment to new parents.
From next year, parents will receive a one-off €420 payment as well as increases to maternity and paternity leave benefits.
Separately, there will be two double child benefit payments made before Christmas.
The Child Benefit is a monthly payment to parents or guardians of children under 16, and it is also paid for children aged 16, 17, and 18 if they are in full-time education or training, or if they have a disability and cannot support themselves.
The Child Benefit is €140 a month for each child and is a universal payment, meaning it is paid regardless of people’s incomes.
Also included in the Budget is a €400 working family payment, two €125 energy credits and a €300 lump sum fuel allowance. A €200 living alone allowance lump sum has also been published in the Budget.
The benefit will come into effect after the Finance Bill is passed in the coming weeks.
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