Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024.

This is a significant change to the Child Benefit payment which will require technical and operational changes to the social welfare system before implementation.

For this reason, the change will take effect from September 2024.

Where a child in full time education turns 18 in the meantime they will be covered by the extension from September 2024 until they turn 19.

Currently families on low incomes may be able to avail of a number of social welfare schemes that support children in full-time education until the age of 22, including:

- Increase for a Qualified Child (IQCs) with primary social welfare payments;

- the Working Family Payment for low-paid employees with children; and

- the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, where the child is in second level education.

These schemes provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income and thereby support low-income families with older children participating in full-time education.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.