Child benefit: These are the revised amounts

Significant changes to the child benefit are included in a bill submitted to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with the legislation expected to be examined by the relevant parliamentary committee.

The proposed changes provide for higher benefit amounts for families in the lower income categories, while also widening the income thresholds so more families can qualify. The measures are intended to take effect from January 1, 2027, subject to the legislative process.

The annual benefit per dependent child varies according to the number of dependent children in a family and its annual household income. The amount decreases as household income rises, while families with more dependent children receive a higher benefit.

New amounts for one child

For families with one dependent child, the benefit will be €659 for household income up to €22,000.

The amount will gradually decrease, reaching €120 for income above €64,000 and up to €69,000. No benefit will be paid for household income above €69,000.

Two children

For families with two dependent children, the benefit will stand at €790 for income up to €22,000.

It will gradually decrease to €109 for income above €69,000 and up to €74,000. No benefit will be paid for higher incomes.

Three children

Families with three dependent children will receive up to €1,448 for household income up to €22,000.

The amount will gradually decrease according to income, reaching €218 at the relevant higher income band. No benefit will be paid for household income above €90,000.

Four children

For families with four dependent children, the benefit will reach €2,322 for income up to €22,000 and will gradually decrease as income rises.

For income above €79,000 and up to €90,000, the benefit will stand at €358. No benefit will be paid for income above €100,000.

Five or more children

Families with five or more dependent children will receive €2,322 for household income up to €22,000.

The amount will then be adjusted according to household income. For income above €69,000, the benefit will stand at €1,432 and remain at that level through the category for income above €100,000.

The government previously said the reform would bring around 17,000 additional families and 23,500 children into the potential pool of child benefit recipients. It also provides for a 10% increase in the benefit for families with income up to €22,000 and a 5% increase for those earning between €22,000.01 and €44,000.

Here is the English translation of the image:

Annual Child Allowance Per Dependent Child

Family Income Brackets & Amounts

Also read: New cost-of-living measures set to go before Cabinet
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