Over 1,000 Westmeath families benefit from Newborn Baby Grant

Some 1,047 families have benefited from Newborn Baby Grants in Westmeath in 2025, local Fianna Fáil Minister of State Robert Troy has confirmed.

As part of Budget 2025, the Department of Social Protection introduced the Newborn Baby Grant, a once off payment of €280 designed to help families meet the material needs of a newborn baby or a newly adopted child.

The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application.

In its first year, the Newborn Baby Grant was paid nationally in respect of 49,841 children, at a total cost of approximately €14 million.

“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 over a thousand families in Westmeath 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," Deputy Troy said.