The Single Person Child Carer Credit (SPCCC) is worth €1,900 per year for qualifying single parents in Ireland. Combined with an increased tax band worth up to €800, the total annual benefit reaches €2,700. If you've never claimed before, you can backdate up to 4 years — potentially recovering over €10,000.
📊 SPCCC Key Facts 2025
- Annual Tax Credit: €1,900
- Rate Band Increase: €4,000 (worth up to €800)
- Total Annual Benefit: Up to €2,700
- Backdate Period: 4 years
- Maximum Backdated Claim: €10,800+
What is the Single Person Child Carer Credit?
The SPCCC is a tax credit provided by Revenue Ireland to support single parents who are the primary carers of children. It recognises the additional financial responsibilities faced by those raising children on their own.
Unlike most tax credits which are applied automatically, the SPCCC must be actively claimed — and many eligible single parents don't realise they qualify. Our tax experts regularly help clients discover they're owed thousands in unclaimed SPCCC payments from previous years.
For a detailed breakdown of what the SPCCC is and how it works, read our guide: What is the Single Person Child Carer Credit (SPCCC)?
💡 Did You Know?
The average MyTaxRebate.ie client claiming the SPCCC receives a refund of €1,250+ when we review their full tax history. Many have never claimed before and are owed multiple years of back payments.
How Much is the Single Parent Tax Credit Worth?
The SPCCC provides two separate tax benefits, making it one of the most valuable credits available to Irish taxpayers:
1. Direct Tax Credit: €1,900
This is a euro-for-euro reduction in your tax bill. If you owe €5,000 in tax, the SPCCC reduces it to €3,100. The credit is applied against your income tax liability for the year.
2. Increased Standard Rate Band: €4,000
In addition to the credit, the SPCCC increases your standard rate tax band by €4,000. This means more of your income is taxed at 20% instead of 40%:
If you earn over €44,000, this increased band saves you up to €800 per year (€4,000 × 20% tax difference).
For a complete breakdown of the SPCCC value including historical rates, see: How Much is the SPCCC Worth in 2025?
Backdating Your Claim
If you've been eligible but never claimed, you can backdate for up to 4 years. Based on historical SPCCC values:
Who is Eligible for the SPCCC?
To qualify for the Single Parent Tax Credit, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. You Must Be Single, Widowed, Separated, or Divorced
Revenue considers you eligible if you are:
- Single (never married)
- Widowed (not in the year of bereavement — a different credit applies)
- Separated (legally or informally separated from your spouse)
- Divorced
- A former civil partner
⚠️ Important: Cohabitation Rule
You cannot claim the SPCCC if you are cohabiting (living with a partner as a couple) — even if you're not married. This is the most common reason claims are rejected.
2. You Must Have a Qualifying Child
A child qualifies if they meet any of these conditions:
- Born during the tax year
- Under 18 at the start of the tax year
- Over 18 but in full-time education (university, college, or apprenticeship of 2+ years)
- Permanently incapacitated (became so before age 21 or while in full-time education)
3. The Child Must Live With You
The qualifying child must reside with you for more than half the tax year (greater than 6 months).
For full eligibility details and edge cases, read: Who is Eligible for the Single Parent Tax Credit?
How to Claim the Single Parent Tax Credit
Claiming the SPCCC involves reviewing your tax history, confirming eligibility, and submitting the claim to Revenue. Here's how our service works:
Complete Our Simple Form
Takes about 5 minutes. We'll ask about your family situation and employment history.
We Review Your Tax History
Our experts check your records for SPCCC eligibility across all years you may have missed.
We Submit Your Claim
We handle all paperwork and communication with Revenue on your behalf.
Receive Your Refund
Revenue typically processes claims within 5-10 working days. Money goes directly to your bank.
For more about how we help single parents maximise their refunds, see: How MyTaxRebate Helps Single Parents
Primary vs Secondary Claimant
The SPCCC system distinguishes between two types of claimants:
Primary Claimant
The primary claimant is the person with whom the qualifying child resides for the greater part of the year. This person receives:
- €1,900 tax credit
- €4,000 increased rate band (worth up to €800)
Secondary Claimant
If the primary claimant doesn't need the credit (e.g., income too low to benefit), they can relinquish it to a secondary claimant. The secondary claimant receives:
- €1,900 tax credit only
- No increased rate band
SPCCC After Separation or Divorce
If you've recently separated or divorced, you may now qualify for the SPCCC for the first time.
You can claim from the tax year of separation, provided:
- You were not living with your spouse/partner after separation
- You have a qualifying child living with you
- You are not cohabiting with a new partner
If you separated several years ago but never claimed, you can backdate for up to 4 years. Many separated parents discover they're owed thousands.
Other Tax Credits for Single Parents
The SPCCC can be claimed alongside other credits. Single parents may also qualify for:
When you claim through MyTaxRebate.ie, we automatically review your eligibility for all tax credits to ensure you receive your maximum refund.
Learn more about how credits interact: SPCCC vs Other Family Tax Credits
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SPCCC worth in 2025?
The SPCCC is worth €1,900 as a direct tax credit, plus an increased rate band worth up to €800 in additional tax savings. The total annual benefit is up to €2,700.
Can I claim the SPCCC if I'm cohabiting?
No. If you are living with a partner (cohabiting), you do not qualify for the SPCCC, regardless of whether you are married.
Can both parents claim the SPCCC for the same child?
No. Only one parent can claim the SPCCC for a particular child in any tax year. The primary claimant is the parent with whom the child resides for the greater part of the year.
How far back can I claim the SPCCC?
You can claim for the current year plus the previous 4 years. In 2025, you can claim for 2021-2025 — potentially recovering up to €10,800.
Do I get the SPCCC for each child?
No. The SPCCC is one credit per qualifying person, not per child. Whether you have one child or five, you receive one SPCCC.
What happens when my child turns 18?
You can continue to claim if your child is over 18 but in full-time education (including apprenticeships of 2+ years).
I'm a widowed parent. Do I qualify?
Yes. However, in the year of bereavement, claim the Widowed Person Bereaved in Year Credit (€3,600) instead. From the following year, you can claim the SPCCC.
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