Cross-border family benefits:

• Mum Lives North, Works North

• Dad Lives South, Works South

A new parent living and working in Northern Ireland recently claimed UK Child Benefit for her baby. Her partner lives and works just across the border (a short distance away).

They understood that due to her partner’s Irish employment they were entitled to claim a Top Up payment of Irish Child Benefit. However his application was declined because they were living separately and that he was considered to have ‘abandoned his parental responsibilities’

They challenged the decision, referring to the Child Benefit Operational Guidelines which states that Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, and to the child’s Birth Certificate which lists the applicant as the child’s parent.

The father of the child asserted that he had not abandoned his parental responsibilities, nor was there an absence of financial support. As a part of a couple he was involved with every aspect of their life. He explained that they intend to move in together in the future but as it stands they were maintaining their relationship across the border. Because they were together as a couple, jointly parenting, there was no formal financial arrangement in place. They both contributed to providing for their child’s needs on a daily basis.

Their reconsideration request was accepted by the Irish Department of Social Protection and a Top Up payment (sometimes referred to as a Supplementary payment) was approved.

Note: Irish Child Benefit is paid at a higher rate than UK Child Benefit, the Supplementary payment is the difference between the two.

See also:

• Border People – Cross-Border Family Benefits 
• Border People – Child Benefit in Ireland
• Border People – Child Benefit in Northern Ireland

Page last checked: June 2023

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