Thousands of parents are eligible for the increased Child Support Payment, formerly known as the Increase for a Qualified Child, with rates of up to €79 weekly
The Child Support Payment (formerly Increase for a Qualified Child) for dependent children aged 12 and over increases by €16, to €78, in all weekly payments from this month(Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of parents are entitled to a recently boosted weekly payment, provided for each child.
The Child Support Payment, previously called the Increase for a Qualified Child, has been increased this month.
This hike was announced as part of Budget 2026, and if you qualify, this payment can be added to your current social welfare claim.
You could get up to €79 weekly for each child, or €312 per month.
Here’s everything you need to know about it and how to make an application.
What is the Child Support Payment?
Your social welfare payment includes a weekly amount for yourself, called the personal rate. You may also be entitled to an extra sum for your child, known as a Child Support Payment (CSP).
The CSP was formerly called an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC.
Euro notes and calculator(Image: Getty Images)
Who is eligible for Child Support Payment?
To qualify for a Child Support Payment (CSP), your child must:
Normally live with youMeet the age requirement for that paymentBe resident in the StateNot be in legal custody (detained in a detention school)
Your child doesn’t need to be financially reliant on you. Your child can be employed and earn an income, without impacting the increase paid to you.
CSP can be claimed for foster children.
However, you typically won’t get a CSP if your child is getting their own social welfare payment, apart from in specific circumstances.
You won’t receive a Child Support Payment (CSP) with the following payments:.
You won’t get a CSP if your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant’s gross income is more than €400, and you’re getting one of the following payments: What is the Child Support Payment amount?
In 2026, for children under 12, the full rate stands at €58 per week, while the half rate is €29 per week.
For children over 12, the full rate is €79 and the half rate is €39.
How to apply
To be eligible for a Child Support Payment, you must include details about your dependent child on your claim form when applying for a social welfare payment, reports RSVP Live.
If you didn’t claim for your dependent child when you initially made your claim, you should contact the section in the Department of Social Protection that manages your social welfare payment, or your local Intreo or Branch office.
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