Q.  What are the recent changes to the qualifying rules for the One-Parent Family Payment?

28.04.08

The changes relate to the means test only. The other main qualifying conditions regarding co-habiting, age of child, habitual residence etc. remain unchanged.

The means test takes into account any income, assets or savings that you have but it does not include your home.

As previously, the first €146.50 of income from employment is not taken into account. From May 2008 the following are also excluded from the means test: social insurance contributions, health contributions, superannuation (pension) contributions and trade union subscriptions. If you earn between €146.50 and €425 per week you may qualify for a reduced payment. The limit of €425 was increased this month from €400 per week. The maximum rate of the One-Parent Family Payment is €197.80 per week plus €24 for each dependent child.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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