Parents across Ireland are set to receive an early double boost this week as two universal social welfare payments are being issued early.
A woman taking euro notes out of her purse(Image: Getty Images)
Parents across Ireland are set for an early surprise this week, as two universal social welfare payments that apply even for those in full time jobs, are set to arrive sooner than usual.
The schedule shake up comes ahead of the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday on Monday, February 2, when banks and post offices will be closed.
Any social welfare payments normally due that day will be issued early, landing in accounts either on Friday, January 30, or Saturday, January 31.
Usually paid on the first Tuesday of every month, child benefit is a monthly payment of €140 for parents or guardians of children under 16. Payments also extend to children aged 16, 17 and 18 if they are in full time education or full time training, or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
But this early payment isn’t the only bonus for families this week. In Budget 2025, the Department of Social Protection introduced a New Baby Grant, which provides a €280 once off payment on top of the first month’s child benefit, following the birth of a child or the placement of an adopted child.
For a single birth, parents will receive €420 – the usual €140 child benefit plus the €280 New Baby Grant. For twins, the total payment rises to €980, combining the child benefit for both children with two New Baby Grants. And for triplets, parents will receive a total of €1,680, covering the child benefit and three New Baby Grants.
Parents who already have children and who welcome a new baby will have the child automatically added to their existing child benefit claim, while first time parents will receive a form to register for the payment.
This year marks the first anniversary of the New Baby Grant, which has helped almost 50,000 families support newborns and newly adopted children in the past year.
Speaking earlier this month, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said: “This week we celebrate the first anniversary of the Newborn Baby Grants, introduced as part of Budget 2025 and now supporting families across the country.
“In just one year, these grants have reached tens of thousands of parents all over Ireland, helping families mark the arrival of their newest members.
“At a joyful but costly time, these payments are making a real difference by giving parents a little extra support as they welcome their new babies.”
Both child benefit and the New Baby Grant are universal social welfare payments, meaning they are issued regardless of your employment status or income level.
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