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Working Family Payment

A weekly top-up worth 60% of the gap between your family income after tax, PRSI and USC 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. However small the sum works out, you get at least €20 a week.

Last checked October 2026

What it is

Weekly tax-free top-up for working parents on lower pay. It can also bring Fuel Allowance with it during the fuel season, with no separate application, if nobody else in your home already gets it. Budget 2027 announced that the weekly income thresholds rise by €30 for every family size in 2027, worth up to €18 a week.

Who can get it

You are an employee working in Ireland and paying tax and PRSI. Self-employed people qualify only if they also work as an employee for at least 38 hours each fortnight
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

Good to know

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 52 weeks even if your income changes. You can ask for an increase if you start caring for another child or if your One-Parent Family Payment stops because your youngest child reached the age limit. After 52 weeks you need to apply again to renew.
The job needs to be likely to last at least 3 months.
Working Family Payment brings Fuel Allowance with it, €38 a week through the fuel season, assessed automatically with no separate application. It is paid weekly only, with no lump sum option. If it has not been assessed, email WFPFuel@welfare.ie. It is only paid if nobody else in your home already gets Fuel Allowance, your heating is not supplied as part of your accommodation and you live in the State.
Savings and property you own are not assessed, only income.

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. 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 work at least 38 hours a fortnight as an employee and have at least one child, with family income under the limit for your family size. The limit starts at €765 a week with one child. The payment is 60% of the gap between your family income and that limit. You get at least €20 a week.

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