New ‘could be a lifeline’ social welfare warning for Irish families amid fears 50k parents MISSING OUT on key payment

UP to 50,000 hard-pressed families could be missing out on a crucial social welfare payment they do not know they are entitled to, a TD has warned.

Labour’s social protection spokesperson, Mark Wall TD, has urged working families across the country to check their eligibility for the Working Family Payment.

It comes following an Oireachtas Social Protection Committee hearing today, which revealed that over 50,000 eligible families may be entitled to the payment .

Deputy Wall said: “I would encourage any working family struggling through this cost-of-living crisis to contact their local representatives, Department of Social Protection or their local Social Welfare Branch Office to identify if they are eligible for the working family payment.

“These payments are a lifeline for many households and working families who are already feeling the pinch enough as it is with crippling cost-of-living increases.

“We know from research conducted by the ESRI that one in five children, over 225,000, live in families below the poverty line when housing costs are accounted for, and well over 300,000 households are in arrears on their electricity bills.

“The crisis at kitchen tables across the country continues to grow, and while this payment is not a panacea, it could be a lifeline for many.

“The Department of Social Protection must continue to expand their information campaign to ensure that people across the country are aware of the supports that are available to them.”

The Working Family Payment is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children, with the minimum payment being €20 weekly – although rates depend on income and family size.

The income limit is €705 weekly for a family with one child, €806 for two kids, €907 for three children, €998 for four children and €1,124 for those with five kids in their family.

Those with eight or more children who earn €1,472 or less each week will also qualify for the Working Family Payment.

Families who believe they may be eligible for the payment can apply on MyWelfare.ie or fill in a WFP1 form.