Over 3,200 Newborn Baby Grants Issued Locally Last Year

More than 3,000 families benefitted from the grant across Wicklow and Wexford in its first year.

3,220 Newborn Baby Grants were issued across Wicklow and Wexford in 2025

The Department of Social Protection introduced the once-off payment of €280 to help families meet needs of a newborn baby or newly adopted child.

It’s paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, to assist with the costs associated with new family members.

In its first year, the grant was paid out for just under 50,000 children nationally.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne added this comment on the figures:

 “The birth of a new child is a time of great joy, but it can also place financial pressure on families. Supports like this are essential in easing that pressure and allowing parents to enjoy what truly matters, spending time with their newest family member.

“In the first year of this scheme, thousands of families have benefited nationally, with thousands of families across Wicklow and Wexford receiving support.

“Measures like the Newborn Baby Grant make a tremendous difference to families. It is a priority for Fianna Fáil to continually support parents through schemes like this so they can spend time with their loved ones and focus on the moments that matter.”

The Newborn Baby Grant is part of the whole-of-Government First 5 strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. It's a ten-year plan to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.