Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which persons that have lost their one-parent family allowance have had their cases reviewed to ensure the elimination of hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51211/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a number of income supports to lone parents once their entitlement to the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) ceases. These include the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) payment where the youngest child is aged 7-13 years and the Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) payment which may be paid to lone parents where the youngest child is aged 14 or over. The Family Income Supplement, which is being re-designated as a Working Family Payment (WFP) is also available to lone parents who are working 19 or more hours per week. Lone parents who move to FIS/WFP can also apply for the Back to Work Family Dividend (BTWFD).
In addition to these income supports lone parents also have access to the Department’s Intreo service and the associated training, education and employment supports to assist them towards employment and financial independence. A lone parent who seeks ongoing income support from the Department may receive a one to one meeting with a case officer from the Department who assists them to produce a personal development plan and guides them towards appropriate education, and employment opportunities. While the customer is on the JST payment access to these supports is available, potentially for up to seven years. This is a much broader support than the 12 month engagement that normally applies for jobseekers from their one to one meeting. The aim of this broader support is to improve the individual’s employment prospects.
The income and activation supports outlined above combine to ensure that there are effective resources available to lone parents.
