Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
601. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider varying the dates in which the working family payment can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27951/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment is a tax-free in-work support for low paid employees, with child dependents. There are over 54,000 families, with some 109,000 children, currently in receipt of the payment. The average payment under the scheme, as at the end of March, is €200 per week.
Once awarded, the Working Family Payment is payable for 52 weeks. The amount paid does not vary during the 52 week period, providing stability of income for the recipient.
Applications for the Working Family Payment can be made at any-time, there is no period or specified dates in which a new application must be made.
Recipients are invited to make an application, to re-apply, to renew their entitlement for Working Family Payment at twelve weeks and eight weeks prior to the expiry of their current claim. A manual application form is also issued to the remainder of recipients, who have yet to re-apply, four weeks prior to the expiry of their current claim.
