Menu
05/05/2009
Child Benefit Given Flat Rate Cut
Low-income families could be facing a severe cut to their disposable income following a legal tussle over child benefits.
The government's budgetary plan to impose a means tested cut to child benefits has collapsed, leading to speculation that a flat rate cut in the payments is likely to be imposed.
It is understood major legal obstacles and logistical difficulties arose over Finance Minister Brian Lenihan's plan to tax the benefits using means testing.
Instead, a 10% flat cut in the rate is the likely step, meaning families would face a drop from €166 to €150 a month for each of the first two children, and from €203 to around €180 for each subsequent child.
In the latest budget, Mr Lenihan changed the age criteria for Child Benefit, with children aged 18 in full time education losing their Child Benefit from January 2010.
Mr Lenihan imposed the changes in order to cut the Government's €2.5bn bill for child benefit payments.
(DW/BMcC)
The government's budgetary plan to impose a means tested cut to child benefits has collapsed, leading to speculation that a flat rate cut in the payments is likely to be imposed.
It is understood major legal obstacles and logistical difficulties arose over Finance Minister Brian Lenihan's plan to tax the benefits using means testing.
Instead, a 10% flat cut in the rate is the likely step, meaning families would face a drop from €166 to €150 a month for each of the first two children, and from €203 to around €180 for each subsequent child.
In the latest budget, Mr Lenihan changed the age criteria for Child Benefit, with children aged 18 in full time education losing their Child Benefit from January 2010.
Mr Lenihan imposed the changes in order to cut the Government's €2.5bn bill for child benefit payments.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2013
Report Recommends Two-Tier Child Benefit System
The introduction of a two-tier child benefit system has been recommended by a group of taxation and social welfare experts. There should be a universal child benefit payment, with a top-up payment for those who need it most, the Mangan Report has recommended.
Report Recommends Two-Tier Child Benefit System
The introduction of a two-tier child benefit system has been recommended by a group of taxation and social welfare experts. There should be a universal child benefit payment, with a top-up payment for those who need it most, the Mangan Report has recommended.
10 November 2008
More Budget Protests Expected
A number of protests are expected as budget cuts are implemented throughout Ireland's public services. Teachers and students have joined forces to oppose the recent education cuts.
More Budget Protests Expected
A number of protests are expected as budget cuts are implemented throughout Ireland's public services. Teachers and students have joined forces to oppose the recent education cuts.
02 October 2012
Child Benefit Cuts Should Be Considered
Child benefit cuts should be considered by the Dáil, according to the Agricultural Minister. Simon Coveney said the issue had not yet been discussed at Cabinet, but that it would have to discussed and decided upon in time, in the run-up to the Budget.
Child Benefit Cuts Should Be Considered
Child benefit cuts should be considered by the Dáil, according to the Agricultural Minister. Simon Coveney said the issue had not yet been discussed at Cabinet, but that it would have to discussed and decided upon in time, in the run-up to the Budget.
04 July 2012
No Action To Be Taken Over Centra Children's Allowance Beer Offer
Centra’s parent company have announced that they will not be sanctioning four Dublin stores for running offers of low-price alcohol targeted at Child Benefit recipients, simply describing it as an “error”. The four outlets ran a promotion offering a range of food and beer, linking it to yesterday's receipt of the Children's Allowance.
No Action To Be Taken Over Centra Children's Allowance Beer Offer
Centra’s parent company have announced that they will not be sanctioning four Dublin stores for running offers of low-price alcohol targeted at Child Benefit recipients, simply describing it as an “error”. The four outlets ran a promotion offering a range of food and beer, linking it to yesterday's receipt of the Children's Allowance.
06 January 2012
Over 5,000 Have Child Benefit Suspended
More than 5,000 people have had their child benefit suspended after failing to respond to a check on details and entitlement. Some 5,672 people will not receive their January child benefit payment because they did not respond to a Department of Social Protection to confirm that they still resided in Ireland.
Over 5,000 Have Child Benefit Suspended
More than 5,000 people have had their child benefit suspended after failing to respond to a check on details and entitlement. Some 5,672 people will not receive their January child benefit payment because they did not respond to a Department of Social Protection to confirm that they still resided in Ireland.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
