Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the maximum hours or income a person (details supplied) can work or receive to retain the one-parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8604/24]
View answerOne-Parent Family Payment (OPFP) is a means-tested payment for parents under age 66 who are not cohabiting, and whose youngest child is under 7.
OPFP is made up of a personal rate and an increase for each qualifying child. The weekly rate depends on a person's means or income, that is the personal rate of payment reduces as means or income increase. Current rates of payment can be found on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/1af6ca-rates-of-payment-sw19/
For OPFP purposes, means (for example earnings, income from savings, investments, property and other income ) are calculated in accordance with Part 5 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended. The first €165 per week of gross earnings (including wages and profit from any form of self-employment), is disregarded in the means assessment for OPFP customers and half the balance is assessed as means.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned is currently receiving a weekly OPFP payment of €248, calculated as follows:
Personal rate - €232
Less a means assessment on the basis of employment income - (€ 30) - €202
Increase for a qualifying child - €46
Weekly OPFP - €248
If the person’s income has changed, they should contact their local Social Welfare Branch Office in Maynooth to request a means review.
I hope this clarifies the matter.
