Thousands of parents could receive a once-off double child benefit payment of €280 in the coming months, as the Government considers including the payment as part of a cost-of-living package to be announced on Budget day.
The move would be a huge boost to parents, who would be in line for a €280 one-off payment if they have one child or €560 if they have two. Meanwhile, a family with three children is eligible to receive €840 if the Government agrees to the policy.
A family with twins would also get €840 as they receive one-and-a-half times the normal rate per child. Under plans being considered by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, the once-off payment would be made before Christmas.
