Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
747. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to delays in the processing times of working family payment applications; what measures are being taken to have these times reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14080/24]
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.
Currently, new applications for Working Family Payment have an average processing time of 8 weeks, with 78% of new applications decided within 6 weeks. There has been an increase in claims following the Budget 2024 changes to the weekly income thresholds. Additional resources have been allocated to deal with the increased volume of claims and the average processing time is expected to decrease.
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.
