Q.  I am getting a reduced One-Parent Family Payment because I work part-time in the mornings. My employer has just cut my hours. I was earning €250 a week and I’m now down to €130 a week. Does this have any effect on my payment?

21.02.10

If people on a One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) experience a drop in income, they may be entitled to an increase in their OFP (this differs from Family Income Supplement (FIS) which is only reviewed yearly). In your case since you are now earning less than €146.50 a week you are entitled to the full OFP. To get the increase you should send a current payslip with a letter from your employer confirming the change in your work situation to your local Social Welfare Office.

The amount of One-Parent Family Payment you get depends on your weekly means. Income from employment is calculated as follows: The first €146.50 of your gross weekly earnings is not taken into account. This means that you can earn up to €146.50 per week and qualify for the full payment. Half the remainder of your gross earnings up to €425 per week is assessed as means. If you earn between €146.50 and €425 per week you may qualify for a reduced payment. Social insurance contributions, health contributions, superannuation contributions and trade union subscriptions are not taken into account in the assessment of earnings. However, your gross earnings must be below €425 before any deductions are allowed.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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