Child Support Payment Ireland 2026 — €58/month under 12, €78/month 12+
Child Support Payment in Ireland
The Child Support Payment (formerly the Increase for a Qualified Child) is added on top of your social welfare payment if you have dependent children. In 2026, rates increased significantly — here is how much you can get and who qualifies.
Child Support Payment — At a glance
- Child under 12
- €58 per month
- Child aged 12+
- €78 per month
- Means test
- None
- How to get it
- Added automatically to qualifying welfare payment
Key facts — Child Support Payment 2026
What is the Child Support Payment?
The Child Support Payment (also called the Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) is an additional amount paid on top of certain social welfare payments for people who have dependent children. It is not a payment you apply for separately — it is added automatically when you claim a qualifying payment and declare dependent children.
Do not confuse it with Child Benefit (€140 per month). Child Benefit is paid to all parents regardless of employment or income. The Child Support Payment is only for people already receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.
Budget 2026 — significant rate increase
Budget 2026 included one of the largest increases to child-related welfare rates in recent years:
- Under 12: increased from €46 to €58 per month (+€12)
- Aged 12 and over: increased from €54 to €78 per month (+€24)
For a family with two children — one under 12 and one teenager — this means an extra €136 per month added to their welfare payment.
Which payments include it?
- Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit
- Illness Benefit
- Disability Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Maternity Benefit
- Paternity Benefit
- Carer's Allowance
- State Pension (Contributory and Non-Contributory)
- Invalidity Pension
- Working Family Payment (different calculation applies)
How to make sure you are receiving it
The Child Support Payment should be added automatically when you declare dependent children on your welfare claim. If you believe you are not receiving it:
- Check your payment breakdown
Your payment notice from DSP should show a breakdown. Look for a line marked "Increase for Qualified Child" or "IQC" alongside your main payment.
- Contact your Intreo Centre
If children are not showing on your claim, contact your local Intreo Centre with the children's birth certificates and PPS numbers.
- Update your claim online
If your family situation has changed — new child, child turning 12 — update your claim on MyWelfare.ie or at your Intreo Centre to ensure the correct rate is applied.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Child Support Payment?
An extra amount added to social welfare payments for claimants with dependent children. In 2026, it is €58/month per child under 12 and €78/month per child aged 12+. It is not a separate payment — it is added on top of your existing welfare payment.
How much is the Child Support Payment in 2026?
€58 per month per child under 12, and €78 per month per child aged 12 and over. These rates were significantly increased in Budget 2026 from €46 and €54 respectively.
Is this the same as Child Benefit?
No. Child Benefit (€140/month) is a universal payment for all parents regardless of employment or income. The Child Support Payment is only for people receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.
Do I need to apply for it?
No. It is added automatically when you declare dependent children on your social welfare claim. If it has not been added, contact your Intreo Centre with the children's birth certificates and PPS numbers.
What happens when my child turns 12?
Your payment increases from €58 to €78 per month. This should be updated automatically if DSP has your child's date of birth on file. Check your payment breakdown around your child's 12th birthday to confirm the correct rate.
Can immigrants receive the Child Support Payment?
Yes, if you are receiving a qualifying social welfare payment that includes the Child Support Payment. However, some payments (like Jobseeker's Allowance) require you to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition first.
- It is not the same as Child Benefit — Child Benefit (€140/month) is paid to all parents; this is an add-on to social welfare only
- It is not automatic if you do not declare your children — if you forgot to list them on your welfare claim, contact DSP to update
- The rate does not update automatically when a child turns 12 — check your payment breakdown around the birthday and contact DSP if needed
- Half-rate applies if both parents are on welfare — only one parent gets the full increase; the other may receive 50%
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Child Support Payment rates and eligibility rules.