Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

Budget 2025: Double Child Benefit payment agreed by government but increase in doubt

More details are emerging about the upcoming Budget 2025 measures and it seems a double payment of Child Benefit has been confirmed, however a payment increase is unlikely

by · RSVP Live

A double Child Benefit payment has been agreed upon ahead of next Tuesday's Budget announcement.

Crunch talks amongst the Coalition are continuing this week over major elements of the Budget. It’s reported that as well as a double Child Benefit payment, a €250 energy credit and a reduction in the Universal Social Charge (USC) have been confirmed.

The Child Benefit double payment is expected to be paid to parents before Christmas - as well as the €250 energy credit.

Read more:What cost of living benefits will be paid and what bills are going up in October

Read more:Cost of living Ireland: ‘Significant’ €2,000 lined up for Budget 2025 as recipients named

Speculation had been mounting that the €140 monthly Child Benefit was also set to increase by up to €10 - which would be the first increase of the universal payment in 13 years. However, it seems the increase is now unlikely as Tánaiste Micheál Martin says it won’t happen unless funding is found in the closing days of negotiations.

Other social welfare payments have yet to be finalised, according to reports. Taoiseach Simon Harris and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys want the pension increased by €15 a week, according to the Irish Independent, but not Jobseeker’s Allowance as the country is in full employment.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

Workers will be happy to hear that the USC is set to be cut again. Last year it was reduced from 4.5% to 4%, which saved those earning over €36,000 annually €122 per year. This year it could be cut by another 1% along with other changes to credits and tax bands that will benefit thousands of workers.

Between tax changes and cost-of-living measures, Minister for Finance Chambers has said workers will benefit by approximately €1,000 in this budget.

Budget 2025: Full list of social welfare changes, cash bonuses, tax cuts and more expectedFrom €1,000 for workers, a €250 energy credit for all households to double Child Benefit payments and free school books, there's a lot of cost-of-living measures expected in Budget 2025Erica Carter, 26 Sep 2024
What cost of living benefits will be paid and what bills are going up in OctoberOctober is one of the best months of the year for households around Ireland when it comes to the cost of living crisis as the long-awaited budget is announced by the governmentShauna Bannon Ward, 26 Sep 2024

Meanwhile, first-time buyers are expected to get another year of the Help-to-Buy scheme, which gives up to €30,000 back on new homes worth up to €500,000.

All of the Budget 2025 measures will be officially confirmed next Tuesday, the 1st of October.

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