Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
285. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the procedures for appeals made on decisions regarding family income supplement; if she will clarify the procedure if there is a decrease in a family's earnings following an initial decision on application or review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19752/13]
View answerThe Family Income Supplement (FIS) payment is designed to provide cash income for employees with families who are on low earnings
Once the level of FIS payment is determined, it continues to be payable at that rate for a period of 52 weeks, provided that the person remains in full-time employment. The rate of payment may be increased if an additional child is born in the course of the 52 weeks. However, the rate of payment will not change if there is an increase or decrease in the recipient’s income during this period.
When the 52 week period has expired, customers are invited to re-apply. If at that stage they continue to satisfy the basic qualifying conditions their up-to-date family income is assessed for FIS purposes and a change in rate is then approved if appropriate.
Customers have the right to appeal against any decision made on their FIS entitlement, if they are dissatisfied with it, to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will arrange to have their case re-examined and they will be informed directly of the outcome.
