Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the working family payment to date this year; how this number compares with the same period in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15138/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
It is a targeted measure that is directly linked to household income and therefore directly supports low-income working families. There are currently 47,228 families in receipt of WFP. For the same period in 2022, there were 47,218 families in receipt of WFP.
An increase in the income thresholds of €40 for all family sizes was introduced with effect from 5th January 2023. This has resulted in an increase in payment across all awarded claims of €24 per week while also increasing the income qualification thresholds for customers.
The Department of Social Protection ran an advertising campaign to promote Working Family Payment for a 2-week period from Monday 30th January 2023 to Sunday 12th February 2023 to increase awareness of the Working Family Payment Scheme.
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.
