Your child can work and earn without it affecting the payment. It's separate from Child Benefit, which you keep.
Quick facts
- Under 12, full rate
- €58 a week
- 12 and over, full rate
- €78 a week
- Half rates
- €29 / €39
- Students
- Up to 22 in full-time education
- Old name
- Increase for a Qualified Child
What it is and how much
"You may also get an extra amount for your child called a Child Support Payment (CSP). The CSP was previously called an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC."
The 2026 rates: "Child under 12 €58 (full rate) €29 (half rate) Child 12 and over €78 (full rate) €39 (half rate)". "Your child does not have to be financially dependent on you. Your child can work and earn money, without affecting the increase paid to you."
Older children and students
"If your child is 18 or over, you can continue getting a CSP for 3 months after they leave second level education, or finish the Leaving Certificate (if they are not getting a social welfare payment in their own right)."
If they're in full-time education and you're on a long-term payment (or a short-term one for at least 156 days), it continues "Until your child turns 22, or Until the end of the academic year in which they turn 22".
Half rate, and when it isn't paid
"You get a half-rate CSP if your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant has an income of between €310 and €400 a week." "If you and your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant are both getting a social welfare payment, you will each get a half-rate CSP for each child."
It isn't paid with "Working Family Payment Guardian's Payment (Contributory) Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension Death Benefit by way of Orphan's Payment". Carer's Allowance and the means-tested payments have their own rules.
"To get a Child Support Payment, you must give details about your child dependant on your claim form when you apply for a social welfare payment." If you didn't, contact the section that pays you.
Common questions
How much is the Child Support Payment in 2026?
€58 a week for each child under 12 and €78 for each child aged 12 or over, at the full rate.
What did the Child Support Payment used to be called?
The Increase for a Qualified Child, or IQC.
Can I get the Child Support Payment for a child in college?
Yes, until they turn 22 or the end of that academic year, if they're in full-time education and you're on a long-term payment or a short-term one for at least 156 days.
Does my child's job affect the Child Support Payment?
No. Your child can work and earn without affecting it.