Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can obtain an appropriate allowance while supplementing any income from part-time work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9898/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of income supports for people who are parenting alone including the One-Parent Family Payment.
One-Parent Family Payment (OPFP) is a payment for parents under 66 years who are parenting without the support of a partner and whose youngest child is under 7 years of age. This scheme includes an earnings disregard whereby the first €165 of weekly earnings are not assessed as part of the means test. In addition, 50% of earnings above €165 per week are also disregarded in the means test. If the person concerned is separated, divorced or no longer in a civil partnership, they must be living apart for three months.
The person can attend their local Social Welfare Branch Office in Maynooth to complete an OPFP application form. The application will be processed promptly, and the person will be advised of the outcome in writing.
The person concerned can also apply for a Working Family Payment (WFP). This is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees with children on low earnings. Amongst other qualifying conditions the person must have at least 1 eligible child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment. The quickest and easiest way for the person to apply for a WFP is online using the MyWelfare.ie service.
Information on all schemes and payments administered by my Department can be found at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
