What is the Working Family Payment and how do I qualify?

For many working parents, covering the everyday costs of family life can be a stretch. And many may not be aware of the supports that are available for them. The Government’s Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly, tax-free payment available to employees with children and gives extra financial support to people on low to moderate pay.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for WFP, you must have at least one child who normally lives with, or is financially supported by, you. Your child must be aged under 18, or between 18 and 22 and in full-time education.

You must be working 38 or more hours per fortnight to qualify. Any combination of hours that reaches 38 hours each fortnight is acceptable and you can combine your weekly hours with your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant’s hours to meet this condition.

In order to qualify, your average weekly family income must also be below the amount allowed for your family size.

What family income limits apply?

That depends on how many children you have. If you’re married, in a civil partnership, or living with your partner, their income will be counted too.

• If you have one child, you need to earn less than €521 every week.
• If you have two children, you need to earn less than €622 every week.
• If you have three children, you need to earn less than €723 every week.
• If you have four children, you need to earn less than €834 every week.
• If you have five children, you need to earn less than €960 every week.
• If you have six children, you need to earn less than €1,076 every week.
• If you have seven children, you need to earn less than €1,212 every week.
• If you have eight or more children, you need to earn less than €1,308 every week.

These are net income figures, meaning after tax, employee PRSI, and Universal Social Charge have been deducted. For full details visit www.welfare.ie/wfp.

Brought to you by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection