The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. The payment amount is based on a fixed proportion of the gap between the assessable income (net of income taxes, PRSI, Pension contribution and USC) of the household and prescribed FIS income thresholds. In relation to the person concerned, I can confirm that no FIS application has been received to date. An application form has now issued and once it is returned fully completed, a decision will be given without delay.