New €250 Monthly Benefit Child Support Payment in Ireland 2025

As of February 2025, a newly updated and increased Child Support Payment (CSP) is available to thousands of parents across Ireland. Previously known as the “Increase for a Qualified Child” (IQC), this monthly payment has been redesigned to offer more support to families. In this guide, we break down how you can apply for the newly enhanced benefit, who qualifies, and how much you can receive.

What is the Child Support Payment (CSP)?

The Child Support Payment is a financial support aimed at helping parents with the costs of raising children. It is part of your social welfare payment and can be added to your existing claim if you qualify. The update to this payment, announced in Budget 2025, brings more money to eligible parents.

CSP was previously called “Increase for a Qualified Child” (IQC), but now it is a distinct payment with updated rates and eligibility criteria. The new payment amount is up to €62 per week per child, which equals €248 per month.

Key Features of the Child Support Payment:

• Paid weekly or monthly, depending on the type of payment you receive.
• Can be claimed in addition to your social welfare payment.
• Can be paid for each child who meets the criteria.

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Who Qualifies for the Child Support Payment?

To receive the Child Support Payment, you must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Your Child Must Live With You: The child must reside with you in the household.
2. Age Criteria: Your child must meet the age requirement for this payment.
3. Residency: Your child must be a resident of the State (Ireland).
4. No Legal Custody: The child should not be in legal custody or detained in a detention school.

Additional Points:

• Your child does not need to be financially dependent on you. They can work and earn money without it affecting your CSP.
• Foster children can also be included for this payment.
• You generally do not qualify for CSP if your child is receiving their own social welfare payment, except in certain cases.

What Payments Do Not Qualify for CSP?

There are specific social welfare payments that exclude you from receiving CSP. These include:

1. Working Family Payment
2. Guardian’s Payment (Contributory and Non-Contributory)
3. Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension
4. Death Benefit by way of Orphan’s Payment

You will also not qualify for CSP if the gross income of your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant exceeds €400, and you are receiving one of the following payments:

• Illness Benefit
• Injury Benefit
• Health and Safety Benefit
• Jobseeker’s Benefit or Disablement Benefit
• Invalidity Pension
• Carer’s Benefit
• State Pension (Contributory)

How Much Can You Receive?

The Child Support Payment is based on the age of the child. The current rates for 2025 are as follows:

This means that if you have a child under 12 years old, you could receive up to €50 per week, or €200 a month. For children aged 12 and over, the payment increases to €62 per week, or €248 per month.

How to Apply for the Child Support Payment

Applying for the Child Support Payment is straightforward if you’re already receiving social welfare. Here’s how to go about it:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Claim with Your Social Welfare Application: When applying for any social welfare payment, provide details about your child as part of your application.
2. Already Receiving a Payment?: If you are already receiving a social welfare payment but did not claim for your child initially, simply contact your local Intreo or Branch office. You can also reach out to the Department of Social Protection to add your child to your claim.
3. No Need for Financial Dependency: Remember, the payment is not dependent on your child’s financial situation.

Once you’ve applied, your Child Support Payment will be processed and included with your regular social welfare payment, if eligible.

Key Takeaways:

• The Child Support Payment has been increased to up to €62 per child per week in 2025.
• It can be added to your social welfare payments if you qualify.
• Parents with children under 12 can receive €50 per week, and those with children 12 or older can get €62 per week.
• The application process is simple and can be done when you apply for or update your social welfare claim.

If you meet the criteria, don’t miss out on this valuable financial support for your family!