Families and children

Payments to families and children Gives a short description of the social welfare benefits available to families and children.

Maternity Benefit
Maternity Benefit in Ireland is a payment by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to women on maternity leave from work. Find out more about Maternity Benefit and how to apply.

Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a State payment in Ireland to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education or has a disability.

One-Parent Family Payment
One-Parent Family Payment is a payment for men and women in Ireland who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.

Health and Safety Benefit
A summary of Health and Safety Benefit for pregnant/breastfeeding women in Ireland.

Adoptive Benefit
Adoptive Benefit is a payment made by the Irish Government to certain people that adopt children in Ireland. Find out how to apply and rates of benefit.

Family Income Supplement
Family Income Supplement is a weekly tax free payment to people on low pay. You can be married or unmarried but you must have at least one child to qualify.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid each year to families in Ireland on certain social welfare and other benefits. The scheme assists families with cost of sending children back to school.

Deserted wife's social welfare payments
Deserted Wife’s Benefit is a social insurance payment made to a women who was deserted by her husband. Deserted Wife's Allowance is a means-tested paid to women that do not qualify for Deserted Wife's Benefit. Both payments were closed off to new applicants in January 1997. Some women however continue to get a deserted wife's payment.

Pregnancy and social welfare payments
Pregnancy may affect your social welfare payment. You may be entitled to a different payment or an increase in your current payment. Find out more here.