Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
265. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the pathway for a parent to claim an increase for a qualified child on a payment after being awarded primary custody of the child but when the other parent refuses to relinquish their payment and continues to claim for them despite no longer being the primary caregiver; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30237/23]
View answerPeople in receipt of certain payments from my Department may get an extra payment for their child (an Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC)), in addition to their weekly personal rate, subject to certain conditions.
An Increase for a Qualified Child is payable in respect of each qualified child who normally resides with the customer. Only one increase is paid in respect of each qualified child. If a person and their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant are both getting a social welfare payment each will get a half-rate Increase for a Qualified Child for each child, where applicable. In the case of separated parents, the child shall be considered normally resident with the parent who has legal custody, provided this person is substantially maintaining the child.
If the Deputy wishes to send me details of a specific case, I will arrange to have my officials look into it.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
