Working Family Payment Calculator [2025] 🇮🇪

💡 If you are a citizen of Ireland, you can use this calculator to find out what Working Family Payment you could receive and what your payments could be.

More info: Working Family Payment Rates for 2025

What is the Working Family Payment?

The Working Family Payment (WFP) in Ireland is a social welfare support aimed at helping low-income working families. Administered by the Department of Social Protection, this payment is designed to supplement the income of families where there is at least one employed parent. Its purpose is to ensure that families are financially supported even when they are earning, reducing the gap between low wages and essential living costs. By focusing on supporting working families, the WFP encourages employment while assisting in maintaining a stable quality of life.

This support is particularly beneficial for families with children, as it provides additional financial security. It considers family size and income, offering an adjusted payment that takes into account both the household’s earnings and the number of children. As a result, families with larger households may receive a higher payment to cover the additional expenses associated with childcare, schooling, and everyday living costs.

The Working Family Payment also provides a reliable, consistent source of additional income, which can be particularly helpful for families facing irregular work hours or part-time employment. Since WFP is calculated based on weekly family income, it accommodates fluctuations in earnings, thus providing a more stable financial foundation. This flexibility in WFP payments can ease some of the stress associated with variable income, allowing families to plan and budget more effectively.

In addition to financial stability, WFP aims to help address poverty and promote social inclusion by encouraging parents to remain in employment without sacrificing their family’s basic needs. It represents Ireland’s commitment to supporting working families, helping them to meet their obligations and improve their overall living conditions. WFP, in this way, serves as a vital resource, ensuring that hard-working families receive necessary financial support to thrive.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for WFP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Employment requirements:
   • You must be employed and working a minimum of 38 hours every fortnight (equivalent to 19 hours per week).
   • You can combine your weekly hours with those of your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant to meet this requirement.
   • Self-employment hours or participation in certain employment schemes (such as Community Employment, Tús, JobBridge, or the Rural Social Scheme) do not count towards this requirement.
2. Duration of employment:
   • Your employment is expected to last for at least 3 months.
3. Dependent children:
   • You must have at least one child who normally resides with you or whom you financially support.
   • The child must be under 18 years of age, or between 18 and 22 years old if in full-time day education.
4. Income thresholds:
   • Your average weekly family income must be below a certain amount, which varies depending on your family size.
   • The income limits are set by the Department of Social Protection and are subject to change.

It’s important to note that WFP is exclusively available to employees and cannot be claimed by self-employed individuals.

Factors that may impact your Working Family Payment

Several factors can influence your eligibility and the amount you receive:

1. Changes in family income

• Increase in earnings: If your family’s income rises above the threshold for your family size, you may no longer qualify for WFP. However, once approved, your payment remains constant for 52 weeks, even if your income changes during that period.
• Decrease in earnings: A reduction in income won’t affect your current WFP during the 52-week period. After this period, your payment will be reassessed based on your new income level.

2. Changes in family composition

• Additional child: If you have another child, you can request a reassessment of your WFP to reflect the increased family size, which may raise your payment.
• Child no longer dependent: If a child no longer qualifies as a dependent (e.g., due to age or leaving full-time education), your WFP may decrease after the 52-week period.

3. Employment status

• Job loss: Losing your job or reducing your working hours below the required 38 hours per fortnight can disqualify you from receiving WFP. It’s essential to inform the Department of Social Protection of such changes.
• Change of employer: Switching jobs doesn’t affect your WFP as long as you continue to meet the working hours and income criteria.

4. Budgetary changes

Government budgets can adjust WFP income thresholds and payment rates. For instance, Budget 2025 announced a €60 weekly increase in income limits for all family sizes, effective January 2025.

5. Other social welfare payments

Receiving additional social welfare benefits can influence your WFP. It’s advisable to consult with the Department of Social Protection to understand how other payments may affect your entitlement.

6. Reporting pbligations

You’re required to notify the Department of Social Protection about any changes in your circumstances, such as income fluctuations, family size alterations, or employment status changes. Failure to do so can lead to overpayments, which you’ll need to repay.

Staying informed about these factors ensures you receive the correct WFP amount and remain compliant with program requirements.

What is the process to apply for the WFP?

To apply for Working Family Payment, follow these steps:

1. Determine your eligibility

2. Gather necessary documentation

Prepare the following documents:

• Recent payslips: Typically, your last four consecutive payslips.
• Proof of Child Dependence: Birth certificates or school/college attendance confirmation for children aged 18-22.
• Personal Public Service (PPS) Numbers: For all family members.

3. Submit your application

You can apply in two ways:

• Online: The quickest method is through MyWelfare.ie. You’ll need a basic or verified MyGovID account to apply.
• By post: Download the Working Family Payment application form (WFP1), complete it, and send it along with the required documents to:

Working Family Payment Section 
Department of Social Protection 
St. Oliver Plunkett Road 
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 
F92 T449

4. Await decision

After submitting your application, the Department of Social Protection will assess your eligibility. If approved, WFP is paid for 52 weeks, even if your income changes during that period.

5. Reapply annually

To continue receiving WFP after the initial 52-week period, you must reapply, providing updated income and family information.

Here is a more complete guide with everything you might need to know to complete the form successfully:

For further assistance, contact the Working Family Payment Section at 074 9164575 or 0818 300600, or email wfpnewclaims@welfare.ie