What is the Working Family Payment?

The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children. It supports people who are on low pay. WFP used to be called the Family Income Supplement (FIS). To qualify for the Working Family Payment, your child must be under 18, or between 18 and 22 if they are in full-time education.

You must be an employee to get WFP. You cannot get it if you are self-employed only. To qualify, your average weekly family income must be under a certain amount for your family size and the payment is 60% of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size. WFP is not taxed and it is not taken into account in the means test for a medical
card.

Who is eligible to receive the Working Family Payment (WFP)?

You must work 38 or more hours per fortnight, and you can combine your weekly hours with your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant’s hours to meet this condition. You cannot use time spent in self-employment (or on Community Employment, Tús, JobBridge or the Rural Social Scheme) to meet this condition. Your job must also be likely to last at least three months, and you must have at least one child who normally lives with you. You must be employed, pay tax and PRSI in Ireland. Under EU regulations you may be able to claim WFP if your children are living abroad.

WFP is paid for one year (52 weeks) as long as you meet the conditions. It does not change if your earnings from work go up or down during that year. After 52 weeks, you can apply again for WFP.

What happens if my hours at work are reduced or I lose my job?

If the number of hours you work each week falls to under 38 hours a fortnight, you are no longer entitled to WFP, nor if you lose your job. You should tell the Department of Social Protection if this happens.

What happens to my Working Family Payment(WFP) if I change jobs?

If you move to a new job and continue to meet the rules for WFP you can stay on it, and you don’t have to contact the Department. If you are getting paid less in your new job, your WFP claim will not be reviewed to reflect the decrease. However, if you want your WFP to reflect your new income, you should contact the WFP Section to tell them that your circumstances have changed and that your current claim should be closed and reapply for WFP.

What happens my WFP if I am on maternity leave?

When you are on maternity leave, adoptive leave, paternity leave or parent’s leave, you are entitled to be treated in the same way as when you are at work. This means that you can claim WFP. A pregnant woman who has no other children does not qualify for WFP until the birth of the baby.

You cannot continue to claim WFP if you take additional unpaid maternity leave or adoptive leave, or if you lose your job after returning to work, or if you give up your job. You can continue to get your WFP with your Adoptive Benefit, Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit and Parent’s Benefit as long as you meet the qualifying criteria for both.

How is my rate of Working Family Payment assessed?

The Department will assess your household income in a means test, by calculating your (combined) average earnings over approximately 52 weeks. Normally they will use your earnings up to the date of your application. If you are newly in employment, your average weekly income is calculated from that start date. If your partner is self-employed, their income over the 12-month period before you apply is used to work out their average weekly income.

The WFP income test does not assess capital. This includes property you own, bank accounts and cars. However, rental income from the letting of property or land is assessed and you cannot deduct mortgage payments or other expenses. You can get up to €14,000 per year for renting out a room in your own home without it affecting your Working Family Payment.

Drop-in to your local Citizens Information Centre and they will assist you to work out the means assessment and to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. The income limits are available on the Citizens Information website. If you qualify for WFP, you get a minimum of €20 each week. You may also be entitled to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

Is Working Family Payment a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance?

Not at present, but it will in March 2026 and will be backdated to January 2026 for people who qualify.