Children under 18 (or under 22 if in full-time education)
Twins receive 1.5x the standard rate
Triplets+ receive 2x the standard rate
Monthly Payment
€280.00
Annual Total
€3,360.00
| Children | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | €140.00 | €1,680.00 |
| 2 children | €280.00 | €3,360.00 |
| 3 children | €420.00 | €5,040.00 |
| 4 children | €560.00 | €6,720.00 |
| 5 children | €700.00 | €8,400.00 |
| 6 children | €840.00 | €10,080.00 |
Child Benefit in Ireland
Child Benefit is a universal monthly payment of €140 per child paid to the parent or guardian of children under 18 (or under 22 if in full-time education). It is not means-tested and is not taxable. It is paid on the first Tuesday of each month.
Multiple births
Parents of twins receive 1.5 times the normal rate for each twin child. Parents of triplets or higher-order multiples receive double the rate for each child. This is in addition to a once-off grant at birth.
Who can claim?
Child Benefit is usually paid to the mother or step-mother of the child. If the child lives with their father or another person, that person may claim. You must be habitually resident in Ireland.
DSP Rates 2025: Uses current Child Benefit rates from the Department of Social Protection.
How the monthly payment works and who can claim it
How much is Child Benefit in Ireland?
Child Benefit is a flat payment of €140 per child per month. It is paid on the first Tuesday of every month directly into your bank account. For 2 children, that is €280 per month or €3,360 per year. The payment is not means-tested, so your income does not affect how much you get.
Who can claim Child Benefit?
The person who the child normally lives with can claim. It is usually paid to the mother or step-mother. If the child lives with their father or another guardian, that person can apply instead. You must be habitually resident in Ireland and the child must be under 18, or under 22 if they are in full-time education.
Do twins and triplets get a higher rate?
Yes. Twins receive 1.5 times the standard rate per child, so each twin gets €210 per month instead of €140. That is €420 per month for both twins. Triplets and higher multiples get double the rate, so €280 per child per month. There is also a once-off grant paid at birth for multiple births.
Is Child Benefit taxable?
No. Child Benefit is completely tax-free. You do not need to declare it on your tax return and it does not count towards your income for tax purposes. It also does not affect your entitlement to other social welfare payments like Working Family Payment or Housing Assistance Payment.
How do I apply for Child Benefit?
When your baby is born in Ireland, the hospital sends the birth details to the Department of Social Protection (DSP). You should receive a partly completed form (CB1) in the post within a few weeks. Fill it in, attach your child’s birth certificate, and send it to the Child Benefit Section in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
What happens when my child turns 18?
Child Benefit normally stops when your child turns 18. However, if your child is in full-time education (such as the Leaving Cert year or a full-time course), you can continue to receive it until they turn 22 or finish their course, whichever comes first. You need to fill in a separate form to confirm they are still in education.
Can I get Child Benefit if I move to Ireland from another EU country?
Yes, but you must pass the habitual residence condition (HRC). This means you need to show that Ireland is your main home. If you are working in Ireland and paying PRSI, this usually satisfies the condition. If your partner works in another EU country, you may get a top-up from Ireland if Irish rates are higher than the other country’s rates.
Revenue-Aligned: Based on 2025 Department of Social Protection rates. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax adviser.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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