Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
614. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to delays in processing the working family payment by which families can be waiting three months to have their applications processed; if additional resources have been provided to ensure working families do not have to suffer financial hardship pending payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52751/18]
View answerWorking Family Income (WFP ) is an in-work payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children. Once awarded, it is payable for 52 weeks, provided the employee does not lose or change their job.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
The average monthly processing time for new WFP applications is 8 weeks.
All possible steps are being taken to improve processing times in this area. All available staff are assigned to claims processing to ensure applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.
WFP renewal forms are issued to customers 8 weeks before the expiry of the 52-week period and these are generally processed within 2 weeks of expiry.
Anyone experiencing financial difficulties while awaiting a decision on any social welfare payment can contact their local Intreo Centre and enquire as to their entitlement to a payment under the Department's Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
