The Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights has announced that the final Children's Allowance payment will be issued three weeks earlier than usual, on 14 September.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry said that the payments will be made earlier than usual so that families are supported before the scholastic year starts.

The official payment date was supposed to be on 5 October, but will be issued on 14 September, covering the period from October to December 2024.

Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon said that a total of 62,000 families will have received €80 million altogether throughout this year, representing an increase of €13 million over 2023.

These figures include the Disability Child Allowance and the Foster Care Allowance but exclude the Child-Birth Bonus, the In-Work Benefit, the Carer's Grant, and additional assistance for the cost of living.

"The Children's Allowance payment is just one of a series of social measures aimed at reaching every individual and family. As a government, we have worked hard to ensure that no one falls behind without placing burdens on families and businesses," Falzon said.

He continued that government has utilized the wealth created to provide a better life for those at the lower end of society, the elderly, pensioners, and families.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Social Policy Mark Musù said that during 2021, the entitlement for all families with children under 16 years of age increased.

A €70 increase per child was given to families whose income falls below the means test threshold, and a €50 increase per child was given to families whose income exceeds the means test threshold.

During 2023, the increase reached €90 per child for all families. In 2024, a €250 increase per child was given to all families.

The Ministry statement said that the government's promised increase has already reached €340 per child for all families, meaning that 75% of the electoral promise has already been fulfilled.

Falzon also mentioned that on 14 September, the Supplementary Allowance will also be paid for the period from October to December 2024. This allowance is paid to families whose income does not exceed a certain threshold.

"Even though this allowance is being paid, the government still decided to intervene and introduced the Additional Benefit for the cost of living during 2023 and strengthened it for 2024, with more than 99,000 families receiving this benefit," Falzon said.

He continued that this is to ensure the government continues to guarantee a strong income for families while practicing social justice.