Working Family Payment
A weekly top-up worth 60% of the gap between your family income and the limit for your family size. The limits run from €765 a week for one child up to €1,532 a week for eight or more.
Last checked June 2026
What it is
Weekly tax-free top-up for working parents on lower pay.
Who can get it
- You are an employee working in Ireland and paying tax and PRSI (self-employed people do not qualify)
- You have at least one child living with you, under 18, or 18 to 22 in full-time education
- Your average weekly family income is below the limit for your family size
- You must work at least 38 hours a fortnight. Hours from both partners, or from more than one job, can be added together.
- Once it is awarded, the payment stays the same for a year even if your income changes.
- The job needs to be likely to last at least 3 months.
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 14 June 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What is the Working Family Payment?
It is a weekly tax-free top-up for working parents on lower pay. The amount depends on your family size and your income.
Am I eligible?
You need to be working a minimum number of hours each fortnight and have at least one child, with family income under the limit for your family size. The official page works out your rate.
Related guides
- National Childcare Scheme
- ECCE (free preschool)
- Child Benefit
- Back to Work Family Dividend
- One-Parent Family Payment
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