Updates to Child Benefit payments for children aged 16 and 17 returning to education in September

UPDATED: 14:35

Parents of children aged 16 and 17 who sat the leaving cert and are returning to education after the summer may not receive Child Benefit payments in July or August.

The Department of Social Protection states parents of children aged 16 and 17 who sat the Leaving Cert this year will be paid the full monthly amount in June, but must submit an application form in August if their child is returning to full-time education in September.

If your child returns to full-time education in September, fill in and return this application form, which will be sent out in the post in August.

When you get your payment it will include any arrears due to you, including Child Benefit for July and August.

If your child turns 18 during the summer you will get any arrears due up until the month they turn 18 – provided they return to education in September.

If you don’t get a form in the post from the Child Benefit section you should visit www.welfare.ie and visits the ‘How to apply’ section.