Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants throughout the country currently in receipt of the working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51067/22]
View answerThe Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment. The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment.
It is a targeted measure that is directly linked to household income and therefore directly supports low-income working families. There are approximately 45,000 families with 99,000 children who are currently in receipt of WFP. The estimated spend of WFP in 2022 is €349 million.
Budget 2023 included the provision of a once off €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all WFP recipients and is due to be paid on the week commencing 14th November.
An increase in the income limits applicable to WFP customers was also announced in Budget 2023. This increase will take effect from 5th January 2023 and will see the income limit for all family sizes increase by €40. This will see an increase in payment across all awarded claims of €24 per week while also increasing the income qualification thresholds for customers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
