Waterford families in line for cash boost as changes to social welfare payment kick in next week

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced today (Wednesday, May 1) that Child Benefit is to be paid in respect of 18-year-olds from next week.

Minster Humphrey secured an agreement to extend Child Benefit to 18-year-olds as part of Budget 2024 with the measure initially due to be implemented from September.

However, in February, the Minister announced that her Department was in a position to introduce the changes in May – four months earlier than initially planned.

Speaking on the announcement Fine Gael Senator for Waterford John Cummins stated:

“I really welcome this morning’s announcement from Minister Humphreys, this announcement 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.”

Senator Cummins continued: 

“Child Benefit is one of the mechanisms that puts more money back into the pockets of working families. 

“In Waterford it is estimated that over 1,600 children will qualify immediately if they are still in education and currently certified.”

Also speaking on the announcement Minster Humphreys stated: “This was a Budget priority for me with the measure initially due to come into effect in September. 

“However, in February I announced that we were in a position to implement the change four months earlier from May.”

Minster Humphreys continued: 

“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. 

“We expect that some 60,000 children will benefit annually as a result of this significant change.”

Senator Cummins concluded: “This Government is committed to supporting families and today’s announcement further displays this.

“I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Waterford and Ireland into the future.”