The Cabinet will be asked to approve the extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds from 1 May, for those in full-time education or who have a disability.
The measure is being proposed by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, who estimates it will benefit families of 60,000 18-year-olds.
It was initially expected that the measure would be introduced in September of this year, however Minister Humphreys will tell her colleagues it can now happen from the beginning May.
Child benefit is paid at €140 per child per month, and the change is being introduced due to the significant number of 18-year-olds who are still in second level education and also as a measure to assist families with the rise in the cost of living.
It is expected Minister Humphreys will seek to introduce the change by amending a social welfare bill which is due before the Seanad later this week.
