One-Parent Family Payment
Up to €254 a week, plus an extra Child Support Payment for each child.
Last checked October 2026 · Updated 13 October 2026
What it is
Support for parents raising a child on their own. Budget 2027 announced that the maximum personal weekly rate rises to €264 from January 2027 and that the employment earnings disregard rises from €165 to €175 from July 2027.
Who can get it
- You are under 66 and the main carer of at least one child who lives with you. You cannot get it if you have joint equal custody
- You are a parent, step-parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian
- You pass a means test
- You are not living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant
- The payment normally stops when your youngest child turns 7. It can continue longer if you also get Domiciliary Care Allowance, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance.
- Child maintenance you receive is no longer counted in the means test.
- If you are separated or divorced, you need to be living apart for at least three months before you apply.
- If your spouse or civil partner has died, you can get it for up to two years after the death or until your youngest child turns 18, whichever is earlier.
- Apply promptly. The Department says you should apply within three months of your child's birth or of your spouse's or civil partner's death, and within three to six months of separating.
- Income from renting a room in your home, up to €269.23 a week (€14,000 a year), is not counted, as long as the tenant is not an employee or an immediate family member.
How to apply
Applications go through DSP. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Last updated on 13 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What is the One Parent Family Payment?
It is a weekly payment for a parent raising a child on their own. It is means-tested.
How long is it paid?
Usually until your youngest child turns 7. It can run longer if you also get Domiciliary Care Allowance (until the child on it turns 16), Blind Pension (until your youngest turns 16) or Carer's Allowance (until your youngest turns 16 or Carer's Allowance stops, if sooner). If your spouse or civil partner has died, it can be paid for up to two years after the death or until your youngest child turns 18, whichever is earlier.
Related guides
- National Childcare Scheme
- ECCE (free preschool)
- Child Benefit
- Working Family Payment
- Back to Work Family Dividend
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