Almost 1800 in Louth receive Child Benefit extension

Child Benefit has now been paid in respect of 1783 18-year-olds in Louth since the government announced that the benefit would be extended to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.

To date, the government say this measure has benefited over 58,000 young people in full-time education or with a disability and is paid at a rate of €140 per month.

Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd said: “1783 recipients in Louth and 2574 recipients in Meath are now receiving the extension which is providing a just and improved support to families as children continue to enter primary schools at a later age.

“In the case of a child who turned 18 after May 2023 and remains in full-time education, they will be eligible again from May 2024 until their 19th birthday.

"The parent or guardian does not need to reapply if the child is in full-time education and the Department holds a current education certificate.

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“If the education certificate expires before the 19th birthday, a new certificate will be issued to the parent or guardian, which must be completed and returned to resume Child Benefit payments."

O’Dowd added: “In the case of a child that turns 18 after May 2024, Child Benefit will automatically be extended until the 19th birthday or the expiry date of the current certificate."