Child benefit is normally paid to the child's mother or stepmother. If the child does not live with the mother or stepmother, then child benefit may be paid to the child's father or stepfather who is living with and supporting the child.

The rate for the first and second child is €117.60 per month.

The rate for third and subsequent children is €147.30.

You must claim child benefit within six months after the month in which the child was born, or the month the child becomes a member of your family, or the month the family came to reside in the Republic. The benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month.

To apply, you need to fill out a CB1 form, enclosing a copy of the baby's birth certificate.

The form is available from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

Send it FREEPOST to: Child Benefit Section, Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, Social Welfare Services Office, St Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

You can also apply for child benefit online at www.welfare.ie.