Q. I saw in Budget 2024 that the income limits for working family payment are going up from January 2025. What exactly is this payment? We have two children and my partner is working part time (25 hours) on minimum wage. Is this something we would qualify for?
The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for parents in low-paid employment.
You must have at least one child that you support financially and who normally lives with you. If your children do not live with you, you must be wholly maintaining your ex-spouse, ex-civil partner, or ex-cohabitant with whom the children are living. Children must be under 18, or under 22 and in full-time day education.
Whether you qualify for the payment and how much you get depends on your average weekly income and your family size. There are income limits depending on how many children you have and your payment rate if approved will be 60 per cent of the difference between your income and the income limit.
To qualify working part time, you must work as an employee for 38 or more hours per fortnight. You can combine your weekly hours with your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant’s hours to meet this condition.
Time spent working in self-employment does not count towards hours worked for the WFP.
Once your application has been approved and you get the WFP, it is paid at the same rate for 52 weeks and then you must apply again. It does not change if your earnings from work go up or down during that year.
If your hours are reduced, but you still work at least 38 hours per fortnight, then your WFP payment will not change until the 52 weeks are up and you are reassessed.
If your hours are reduced and you no longer work at least 38 hours per fortnight, then you are no longer entitled to WFP.
If you have another child, your claim for WFP will also be reassessed and you may get a higher payment.
You can apply online for the payment on MyWelfare.ie or pick up an application form at your local Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office, or Citizen’s Information Office.
Limerick Citizens Information Centre answer your questions in the Limerick Post. If you have a question relating to social welfare issues, tenant or consumer rights, immigration, money, tax, housing, or employment, email [email protected], call 0818 075 780, or drop in to Riverstone House, Henry Street, V93 T28.
