Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
404. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of working family payment applications that are in queue to be processed by her Department; if efforts are being made to clear the backlog for families that have applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58881/22]
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. Once awarded WFP is payable for 52 weeks. At the end of the 52-week period a customer must reapply (renew) to determine ongoing eligibility.
The number of applications for the Working Family Payment have increased significantly and all available resources have been directed to processing these applications.
There are currently 3885 new claims on hand with an average processing time of 4 weeks. WFP renewal claims continue to be processed prior to the expiry of the current claim where all the relevant information has been provided by the customer.
The easiest and fastest ways for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
