🇮🇪 2026
🏛️ Benefits guide

Government benefits in Ireland

The main national support schemes in one place – what they give, who qualifies and where to apply.

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👶 Child Benefit

Monthly payment for every child under 16 (under 18 in full-time education).

How much: €140 per child per month

Who can get it: Parents and guardians living in Ireland

🤱 Maternity Benefit

Weekly payment while on maternity leave from work.

How much: 26 weeks, weekly rate set each Budget

Who can get it: Employees and self-employed with enough PRSI contributions

💼 Jobseeker’s Benefit

Weekly payment if you lose your job and have paid PRSI.

How much: Weekly rate depends on previous earnings

Who can get it: Unemployed people under 66 with enough PRSI contributions

🧾 Working Family Payment

Weekly top-up for employees on low pay with children.

How much: 60% of the gap between family income and the income limit

Who can get it: Employees with children working at least 38 hours a fortnight

🏠 Rent Tax Credit

Tax credit for rent paid on your home or your student child’s accommodation.

How much: Up to €1,000 a year (€2,000 for a jointly assessed couple)

Who can get it: Renters paying income tax

🔑 Help to Buy

Refund of income tax and DIRT to help first-time buyers buy a new home.

How much: Up to €30,000

Who can get it: First-time buyers of a newly built home

🏘️ Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

Your local authority pays your landlord; you pay a rent based on income.

How much: Depends on income and area

Who can get it: People qualifying for social housing

🧓 State Pension (Contributory)

Weekly pension from age 66 based on your PRSI record.

How much: Full rate for an average of 48 contributions a year

Who can get it: People aged 66+ with enough PRSI contributions

The Department of Social Protection publishes current weekly rates each year after the Budget. Apply online at MyWelfare.ie.

FAQ

How much is Child Benefit in Ireland?

€140 a month for each qualifying child.

Sources (checked 7 Nov 2026): gov.ie (Department of Social Protection), Revenue, Budget 2026.

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