Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
861. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the backlog of up to 15 weeks for applications for the working family payment; and if measures will be put in place to amend same (details supplied). [13897/23]
View answerWorking Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.
The average processing time for a WFP application is 4 weeks.
An application for WFP was received on 7th February 2023 for the person concerned. Details in relation to employment were not included with the application and, therefore, a decision on entitlement could not be established.
A letter issued to the person concerned on 8th March 2023 requesting completion of an employment certificate by the employer. The certificate has not been returned and the request for information was reissued on 16th March 2023.
On receipt of the requested documentation from the person concerned, their WFP application will be processed without delay and they will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
