Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the reason a couple, who are separated but forced to live together due to financial constraints, must be assessed jointly for a working family payment application. [21009/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment is a tax free in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low-earnings who have children. The payment is not linked to receipt of a social welfare payment, but rather, is based on overall household income.
Unlike other Social Welfare schemes, which are means-tested, the Working Family Payment is an income supplement and is an income-tested scheme. As a result, for example, capital assessments are not undertaken.
In order to qualify for the payment, the average total weekly household income must be below the applicable income threshold. For example, the weekly income threshold for households with one child is €645 and with two children it is €746. The income thresholds increase based on the number of children in the household. As this is a household income test, where a couple continue to reside together with their children, the income of both will form part of the assessment.
Overall household income includes all earnings from employment (including self-employment), social welfare payments, rental income, farm income and any other contributions to the household. A number of payments or income sources are however excluded in the calculation of income, these include for example Child Benefit, the Domiciliary Care Allowance and Guardian’s Payments.
The payment made is calculated at 60% of the difference between overall household income and the income threshold that applies based on the number of children.
In addition to general conditions, to be eligible for the payment an applicant:
- must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is part of a family wholly or mainly supported by them; and
- be in employment for at least 38 hours per fortnight - this requirement can be met by combining the applicant’s hours worked with those of a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant.
I trust this clarifies the position.
