Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection is she will examine the case of a one-parent family payment for a person (details supplied) in light of any recent changes regarding maintenance payments, whether her weekly payment has now increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30586/24]
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 age 66 who are not cohabiting, and whose youngest child is under 7. A person will usually stop getting OPFP when their youngest child turns 7 at which point, they can apply for a Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST).
As advised to the Deputy in Dáil Question No. 224, the person concerned was awarded a OPFP on 28/01/2016 and, as of 30/05/2024, was in receipt of a weekly rate of €254, made up of a personal rate of €232 and an increase for two children of €92 less means due to employment, and child maintenance of €70 of which only €2.39 was assessable.
Following a change in legislation, with effect from 06/06/2024, the child maintenance portion of any maintenance a person receives is no longer assessable as means. For this reason, the person’s claim was reviewed and their rate of OPFP payable, from 06/06/2024, was increased to a weekly rate of €256.50. The decision was made in accordance with Section 8 of the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024.
The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter dated 29/05/2024 and advised if they were not satisfied with the decision, they could send in any facts or evidence to the Department and a Deciding Officer would review the decision. The person was also advised they could appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
If the person’s means from employment has changed they can request a review of their means by contacting the local Social Welfare Branch Office in Maynooth or by emailing newbridge@welfare.ie and providing a current payslip. A review will be undertaken promptly, and the person will be advised of the outcome in writing.
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.
