Social welfare chaos as children's allowance stops for many parents this month

Many parents were left confused yesterday, as thousands didn’t receive their Child Benefit due to the widely unknown rule in place over the summer break.

In Ireland, Child Benefit is paid monthly to parents or guardians of children who are under 16, as well as those under 18 and are in full-time education or training.

However, throughout July and August, because this age group is legally able to leave school, the Children's Allowance is not automatically paid for those over 16 during this period.

Last year, the payment was continued throughout the year because of the global health emergency, however, this year parents were reportedly not informed about the need to obtain forms from their kid’s schools before they closed.

With many people across Ireland being reliant on the monthly payment, even more so throughout Covid, Sinn Féin TD for Galway West/South Mayo, Mairéad Farrell called on officials to amend the pause in payment as many families continue to deal with the financial fallout of the pandemic.

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She said: “Last year due to school closures, Child Benefit continued to be paid in respect of 16-18 year olds during the school holidays given the difficulties posed by Covid-19.

“This was a vital lifeline for many families here in Galway and across the state, as it provided much-needed financial support.

“This year, parents were not informed that this would not happen again this summer and that instead, a form signed by the school was required in order for Child Benefit to continue to be paid.”

With schools now closed for the summer, parents are unable to get the forms they need to continue the monthly amount, which Farrell has called “appalling” amid current circumstances.

“The government must take direct and urgent steps to address this and ensure this crucial money is not withheld from families who need it”, she continued.

“Child Benefit is a critical source of income for families, especially to support older children.

“It is also relied on heavily by many parents in order to meet back-to-school costs, a costly time for parents.”