Bernard Durkan
Question:99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a further social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6785/22]
View answerWednesday, 9 February 2022
Questions (99)
Written answers
Working Family Payment (WFP) is an income tested, in work payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children.
In order to satisfy the qualifying and continued entitlement condition for receipt of WFP an applicant or the applicant and their spouse, partner or cohabitant must be engaged in remunerative employment as an employee for not less than 38 hours per fortnight.
To be eligible for WFP, a family's average weekly income must not exceed a fixed limit which varies in accordance with family size. All household income is assessable for WFP. Household income that is assessable for WFP includes an applicant's and their spouse's or partner's average net weekly assessable earnings from employment plus any other income such as other social protection payment(s), income from self employment, income from rented property etc. Any additional income such as overtime bonuses or commission is also assessable. The following are deducted from a family's gross earnings: Tax, employee PRSI, USC and any pension/superannuation contributions if applicable.
In calculating entitlement to WFP no allowances can be made for personal, family or household expenditure.
For a family of 2 qualified children the WFP fixed weekly income limit is currently €642.00 and the WFP rate payable is 60% of the difference between this income limit and the applicant's average weekly family income.
In order to establish if the person (family) concerned qualifies for WFP, they should submit a formal WFP application to the Department. The quickest and most convenient way to apply for WFP is online via MyWelfare.ie. Alternatively an application may be downloaded and submitted by post.
The person concerned should also contact her local Intreo Office @ www.gov.ie in relation to other income supports.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.