Q.  How do I apply for Child Benefit for my new baby and when will it be paid?

28.05.12

When you register a birth in Ireland, the baby is allocated a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. The Department of Social Protection automatically starts a claim for Child Benefit if the birth is registered within three months. If you are not already getting Child Benefit for another child, the Dept. creates a new claim and sends you a partially completed claim form for your signature and payment details. This form also tells you how to claim for your new baby online. (Please note that you can only claim online if the Department invites you to do so.)

If you are already getting Child Benefit, your new baby is automatically added to your existing claim and payment begins from the month after the birth. The Dept. will send you a letter confirming payment. If your child is not born in Ireland, or the birth is not registered within three months, you must fill in a Child Benefit application form (CB1). Child Benefit is paid from the month following your baby’s birth. It is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. If there is any delay in processing your application the payment will be backdated to when you first applied. If you apply more than a year after your baby’s birth the payment may be backdated if you have a good reason for the late application.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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