Over 1,500 18-year-olds have received Child Benefit in Mayo

Over 1,500 18-year-olds across Mayo have received Child Benefit.

The benefit has now been paid to 1,722 18-year-olds in the county for the first time, according to Minister of State Alan Dillon.

This benefit is available to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their nineteenth birthday, at a rate of €140 per month.

To date, this measure has benefited over 58,000 young people in full-time education or with a disability.

Minister Dillon said he was ‘delighted’ to see so many young people availing from the Child Benefit extension and called it ‘a vital support for hard-working families’. 

“This measure, successfully implemented by the Government, is making a tangible difference in the pockets of families throughout the county,” he said.

He added: “Children in Mayo are starting primary school a bit later, at age five, and many are also doing transition year in secondary school. The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability is a long-term improvement that will support all families across Mayo into the future.”

For children who turned 18 after May 2023 and remain in full-time education, they will be eligible again from May 2024 until their nineteenth birthday. Parents or guardians do not need to reapply if the child is in full-time education and the Department holds a current education certificate. 

If the education certificate expires before the nineteenth birthday, a new certificate will be issued to the parent or guardian, which must be completed and returned to resume Child Benefit payments.

For children turning 18 after May 2024, Child Benefit will automatically be extended until their nineteenth birthday or the expiry date of the current certificate. This change ensures that no child or family in Mayo misses out on the support they need during critical educational years, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind as they pursue their studies and prepare for the future.

Minister Dillon concluded, “This change ensures that no child or family in Mayo misses out on the support they need during critical educational years, providing them with financial stability and peace of mind as they pursue their studies and prepare for the future.”