Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2719. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons (details supplied) qualify for a working family allowance in view of their low income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32747/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is an income-tested weekly payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children. WFP provides financial support for employees who have low earnings/income relative to their family size. The WFP rate payable is 60% of the difference between the average weekly family income and the relevant prescribed income limit.
In order to qualify for WFP, a family's income must be below a prescribed limit which varies in accordance with the number of qualified children. All family and household income is assessable for WFP and includes an applicant's and their spouse/partner's average net weekly assessable earnings from employment plus any other income such as other social welfare payments , income from self employment, etc.
An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 27 November 2018 and was disallowed as their weekly family income was not less than the prescribed income level for their family size (1 qualified child). Following an unsuccessful appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) the Department's decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified of the appeal outcome on 04th July 2019.
If the person concerned has a change in their financial circumstances or they satisfy the conditions for WFP at a later stage they may reapply for WFP. To date no further application has been received from the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
