Working Family Payment Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Questions (676)

Clare Daly

Question:

676. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) was awarded working family payment of €21 per week from 9 August 2018; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that they sought a review and increase in the payment when their working hours and earnings were further reduced on 27 August 2018; if the working family payment will be increased in view of their changed circumstances from 27 August 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50584/18]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees, with children, on low earnings. WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependants and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment.

When WFP is awarded, social welfare legislation provides that the rate of payment stays the same for 52 weeks as long as the person continues to be engaged in full-time paid employment with the same employer for at least 38 hours every fortnight. Therefore, the rate payable is not affected by increases or decreases in family income during the 52-week period.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.