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Social welfare Ireland: Thousands of parents due €100 per child cost of living bonus from tomorrow

by · RSVP Live

Thousands of parents are set for a €100 boost per child from tomorrow.

Thanks to Budget 2025, a cost of living bonus will be paid to parents who receive the Child Support Payment, previously called an Increase for a Qualified Child.

From Monday the 25th of November, a €100 lump sum will be paid in respect of each qualified child.

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Here's everything you need to know about the Child Support Payment.

What is the Child Support Payment?

Your social welfare payment is made up of a weekly amount for yourself, called the personal rate. You may also get an extra amount for your child called a Child Support Payment (CSP).

To get a Child Support Payment, your child must:

  • Live with you
  • Meet the age requirement for that payment
  • Be resident in the State
  • Not be in legal custody (detained in a detention school)

Your child does not have to be financially dependent on you. Your child can work and earn money, without affecting the increase paid to you. A CSP can be paid on behalf of foster children. However, you generally do not get a CSP if your child is getting their own social welfare payment, except in certain circumstances.

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How much is Child Support Payment?

From January, the weekly rate will increase by €4 from €46 to €50, for children under 12 years of age, and by €8 from €54 to €62 for children aged 12 years and over.

During the week of the 25th of November, a €100 bonus will be paid in respect for each child to anyone who gets the Child Support Payment.

How to apply for the Child Support Payment

To get an Child Support Payment, you must give details about your child dependant on your claim form when you apply for a social welfare payment.

If you did not claim for your child dependant at the time you made your claim, you should contact the section in the Department of Social Protection which pays your social welfare payment, or your local Intreo or Branch office.

Note that if you apply now, you will not receive the lump sum, as it is being paid to existing recipients.