Thousands of employees around Ireland could be in line for a weekly payment as a result of a change in income limits starting in the new year.

As part of a spate of measures to tackle the cost of living crisis in Budget 2024, the government announced that the income limits for the Working Family Payment will be increased by €54 across all family sizes.

The payment is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children aimed at supporting people who are on low pay and who meet certain criteria.

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As of January 1, 2024, the new limits will come into effect meaning workers will be able to earn more money but still be in with a chance to receive the payment. In the week beginning November 20, everyone in receipt of the payment will get a once-off payment of €400.

Here is everything you need to know about the qualifying criteria for the payment.

How can you qualify for Working Family Payment?

To qualify for this Working Family Payment (WFP), you must be an employee and you cannot be only self-employed.

People must have at least one child who normally lives with you or you must be financially supporting them.

This child is required to be under 18 years old or between the ages of 18 and 22 and still in full-time day education.

To receive WFP, your average weekly family income must be under a certain amount depending on your family size.

The payment you receive is 60 per cent of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size.

WFP is a tax-free weekly payment for employees who meet the following conditions:

  • Work 38 or more hours per fortnight (in any combination of hours). 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 is likely to last at least three months
  • You have at least one child who normally lives with you
  • You earn less than the WFP income limit set for your family size
New income limits for Working Family Payment

How can you apply for Working Family Payment?

You can apply for Working Family Payment by filling in an application form found here.

You can also get a copy of the form in your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

To apply online, you can use your MyWelfare.ie account or sign up for one using your MyGovID-verified account.

You will need to provide your bank details and information about your (and your partner’s) income and most recent payslips.

To find out more about Working Family Payment, you can click here.

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