Minimum Needs of Older Children Preliminary Pre-Budget 2019 Submission
Issued: April 2018
Summary
This submission focuses on the specific needs of low income households with older children, aged 12 plus. It costs an average of €122 per week to provide a minimum socially acceptable standard of living for an older child; €47 more per week than for a younger child of primary school age.
The social welfare system should begin to recognise the greater MESL expenditure need for older children and instigate a higher rate of support for this age-group. The VPSJ recommends the weekly rate of support for children, aged 12 and over, in welfare dependent households (the Qualified Child increase) should be raised by an additional €5 per week during 2019.