Child Benefit (Sochar Linbh) is an Irish social welfare payment of €150 per month for each child under 18 (or under 22 if in full-time education). It is currently a universal payment with no means test, paid to the primary carer.

Not currently. Child Benefit in Ireland is a universal payment — every family receives it regardless of income. However, Budget 2026 discussions have raised the possibility of introducing a means test for higher-income families, similar to the UK's High Income Child Benefit Charge.

From Budget 2026, Child Benefit is €150 per month per child. A family with 2 children receives €300/month (€3,600/year), with 3 children €450/month (€5,400/year), and with 4 children €600/month (€7,200/year).

The Irish government has signalled possible means-testing for high-income families. This calculator lets you simulate two reform scenarios: a moderate reform (€100k threshold) and a UK-style system (€60k threshold with full taper by €80k). These are hypothetical scenarios, not current government policy.

In the UK, the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) gradually claws back Child Benefit once the higher earner's income exceeds £60,000. The charge is 1% of the benefit for every £100 over £60,000, with full repayment required by £80,000. This is the model some Irish policymakers have referenced.

Child Benefit is generally not counted as means for other social welfare payments in Ireland. However, it may be considered in certain means-tested schemes. It is also tax-free and does not need to be declared on your annual tax return.

Use our calculator above to see how proposed means-testing could affect your Child Benefit. Enter your number of children and household income, then compare the current universal payment against a €100k threshold reform or a UK-style system starting at €60k.

Currently no — Child Benefit remains universal in Ireland. But with Budget 2026 discussions on means-testing, high earners (incomes above €100k or €60k per proposed models) could see reductions. Use our What-If simulator to estimate the impact on your family.

For 2 children in 2026, Child Benefit is €300 per month (€3,600 per year) at the current universal rate. If means-testing were introduced at €100k household income with a 1% taper, a family earning €120k would receive approximately €2,880/year, losing €720.

The moderate reform scenario simulates a €100,000 household income threshold. For every €1 above €100k, your benefit reduces by 1% (scaled by number of children). A family earning €130k with 3 children would lose approximately €900/year under this scenario.

Our What-If simulator lets you compare three scenarios: (1) current universal payment, (2) moderate reform (€100k threshold), and (3) UK-style system (€60k threshold, full taper by €80k). Visualise the impact with our interactive charts and detailed breakdown.

Calculate your Irish Child Benefit for 2026/27. Enter your number of children and household income to see your current benefit (€150/child/month) and simulated impacts under proposed means-testing reforms. The calculator updates instantly as you adjust your inputs.