Child and Family Supports

Child and Wellbeing Supports

Tusla - Child and Family Agency is the dedicated state agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. Below is a guide for newly arrived parents to Ireland. It provides information on the rights of the child and obligations of parents in Ireland. These may be different to the country you are from, but it is important to note that children are protected under Irish law while they reside here.

Guide for newly arrived parents to Ireland: Tusla- Short guide for parents who are newly arrived in Ireland 1.pdf

Childcare

Cavan Childcare Committee provides information on accessing the National Childcare Schemes such as the ECCE (Early Childhood Care and education) programme and financial supports available, as well as information on baby and toddler groups.

Home - Cavan County Childcare Committee Ltd (cavanccc.ie)
If you require support contacting CCC in relation to a creche/preschool place for your child, please contact the LAIT on integration@cavancoco.ie

Family Resource Centres play a crucial role in Supporting families and individuals within their communities. They help individuals and families build resilience, access necessary resources, and participate fully in their communities. FRCs provide a range of services including parenting programmes, counselling and support groups, information, referral to other services and activities in the community. FRCs are very active in organising events in the community that welcome people from all walks of life.

Family Resource Centres in Cavan are located at:

• Teach Oscail Family Resource Centre
  
• FOCUS Family Resource Centre

Social Welfare Payments

Social welfare payments provide crucial financial support to families. These payments are designed to ensure a basic standard of living and to reduce poverty. The system is comprehensive, with various types of payments depending on family circumstances.

Here are some payments you may be entitled to:

• Child Benefit is a universal payment made to parents or guardians for each child under 18 years of age (or up to 22 if the child is in full-time education). It is not means-tested, meaning all families are eligible regardless of income. As of 2024, it is €140 per month per child.

• Working Family Payment (WFP) supports low-income working families. It is available to employees who work at least 19 hours per week (or 38 hours per fortnight). The payment is means-tested based on family income, with different income limits depending on the number of children. It is calculated as 60% of the difference between your weekly family income and the income limit that applies to your family.

• Jobseeker’s Allowance and Benefit are payments for individuals who are unemployed and looking for work. The amount can be adjusted based on the family’s circumstances, including the number of dependents.

• One-Parent Family Payment is for single parents with dependent children under the age of 7. It helps support those who are parenting alone. The payment is means-tested, and the parent must not be cohabiting. The maximum payment for a single person is €220 per week (2024 rate), with additional payments for children.

• Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps low-income families with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. It is means-tested and paid automatically to those who qualify based on their existing social welfare payments. As of 2024, it is €260 for children aged 4-11 years and €385 for children aged 12 years and over.

• Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment to people who are caring full-time for someone who requires care due to illness or disability. It is often relevant to families where a child or family member needs significant care. The maximum rate is €236 per week for a carer under 66 years of age.

• Maternity and Paternity Benefits

Maternity Benefit: A payment made to mothers who are on maternity leave from work and have enough PRSI contributions. The benefit is paid for 26 weeks.

Paternity Benefit: This is a payment for new fathers, paid for two weeks, during paternity leave.

• Parents' Benefit is a payment for people who are on parents leave from work and paid a certain amount of PRSI. Each parent gets 9 weeks payment in the child’s first 2 years after birth or adoption.

• Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a safety-net payment for people who do not have enough income to meet their basic needs. It is often used as a temporary support. It is means-tested, and applicants must be unable to provide for themselves. The amount varies based on needs.

If you are an International Protection Applicant aged 18 or over, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) will assess your income to decide if you qualify for a DEA. Your DEA payment will stop if your income is more than €125 a week for a combined total of 12 weeks or more. Income includes pay from employment, self-employment and social welfare payments. If your DEA is reduced or stopped, it will not affect the DEA payment to your other family members.

If you are getting a DEA and have additional income, you should email NWCWS@welfare.ie.

More information on social welfare entitlements can be found at Citizens' Information or at your local Intreo.