Families will start to receive a double child-benefit payment from today.
It was one of the budget measures announced to deal with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
638,000 families qualify for the additional payment of 280 Euro per child.
Meanwhile 2 point 2 million electricity account holders are being thrown a life line by the government as the first of three 200 euro electricity credits kicks today.
A total of 600 euro in credits will be paid out over the next six months in an effort to offset spiralling energy costs.
The second and third payments will be paid in January/February and March/April.