From today, parents of around 60,000 teenagers will become eligible for child benefit.

The €140 benefit has been extended to those parents with children who are 18, in full time education or who have a disability.

Anyone with kids who have turned 18 since May 2023 can now receive the payment again until their child's 19th birthday.

The move, which was announced in Budget 2024, was due to roll out in September, however the Taoiseach said he is pleased the payments have been brought forward. 

“These two measures are aimed to help children, to help young people and to help families and help and support education as well,” Mr Harris said. 

“We were intending to bring these measures in next September but in recognition of the cost of living pressures felt by many families, we’ve decided to bring these measures forward now to May.” 

The parents of children in a detention facility are not eligible for the payment.