Q.  My partner and I are both unemployed at present. We have heard that we will be compensated for the cut in the Child Benefit we are getting for our three children. How is this going to be paid?

31.01.10

The 2010 Budget includes cuts in social welfare payments including a cut in the rate of Child Benefit. In 2010 the payment is €150 per month for the first and second child and €187 per month for the third and subsequent children.

Families with children who are dependent on social welfare will be compensated for the reduction in Child Benefit. This will take the form of a €3.80 weekly increase in the Qualified Child Increase – rising from €26 to €29.80 per week for each child from 1 January 2010.
Low-income families who are working, or who enter employment and get Family Income Supplement (FIS) will also be compensated, through an increase of €6 per child per week in the weekly income thresholds.

This will increase FIS payments by an average €4 per child per week. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance paid at the rate of €200 or €305 per child has not changed.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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