Working Family Payment rates for 2025

The Working Family Payment is designed to support low-income families, and the rates are updated periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living and other economic factors. The Working Family Payment rates for 2025 in Ireland continue to be based on family size and income thresholds. The payment you receive depends on your average family income, and the number of dependent children, as WFP offers a guaranteed income floor for eligible households. Here’s a breakdown of the rates and factors that determine payment amounts this year.

Key updates in WFP rates for 2025

For 2025, WFP rates and eligibility thresholds have been slightly adjusted to support families facing rising costs of living. The weekly income limits have increased marginally for most family sizes, making it easier for more families to qualify and for current beneficiaries to receive slightly higher payments. Here are a few key highlights:

1. Increased income thresholds: The income thresholds for each family size have seen a slight increase, which may allow families with modestly higher incomes to qualify.
2. Higher adjustments for large families: Families with three or more children have received proportionally larger threshold adjustments, recognizing the additional financial pressures on larger households.
3. No change in calculation methodology: While the thresholds have increased, the percentage used to calculate WFP benefits (60% of the difference between income and threshold) remains the same.

Let’s look in more detail at the specific rates and income limits for families of different sizes in 2025.

2025 working family payment income limits by family size

The income limits from 4 January 2025 WFP eligibility are based on the number of dependent children in the family. These limits represent the maximum average weekly income a household can have to qualify for WFP. If your family’s average income is less than these limits, you may be eligible to receive payment.

These income limits reflect the gross income before tax and deductions and include income from employment, self-employment, and certain social welfare benefits. However, other income sources, such as child benefit, are excluded from the calculation, which can be an advantage for larger families.

Calculating the WFP payment for 2025

To determine your WFP amount, the Department of Social Protection applies a specific calculation. Your WFP payment is 60% of the difference between your family’s average weekly income and the income limit for your family size.

Let’s break down this calculation with an example for clarity:

1. Determine your family’s average weekly income: Suppose your household income is €900 per week.
2. Identify the income limit based on family size: If you have two children, your income limit is €806 per week.
3. Calculate the difference: €900 (income) – €806 (limit) = €94
4. Apply the 60% calculation: 60% of €94 = €56.40

In this example, the WFP payment would be €56.40 per week. Additionally, we advise you to use our Working Family Payment Calculator in order to perform these calculations in a few seconds.

Examples of WFP rates by family size and income

To give you a better understanding of WFP payments, here are some example scenarios for different family sizes and income levels:

• Family with one child, €750 weekly income: With an income limit of €705 for one child, a family earning €750 would receive a very small WFP, around €27 per week. However, if the weekly income were €500, the amount would be €123
• Family with three children, €700 weekly income: With a three-child income limit of €907, a family earning €700 would see a weekly WFP of €124.2
• Family with five children, €950 weekly income: A family with five children has an income limit of €1124. If they earn €950 per week, they would receive a weekly WFP of €104.4

These examples illustrate how income and family size interact to determine WFP rates, with smaller payments when household income approaches the threshold and higher payments as income decreases further below the limit.

Factors affecting WFP payments

Several factors can influence your WFP payments, some of which are specific to 2025 adjustments and others that are general to the WFP structure:

1. Part-time employment: As long as you meet the minimum 38-hour work requirement over two weeks, part-time employees are eligible. This flexibility allows families with varying work schedules to qualify, but it’s essential to report any changes in work hours.
2. Additional dependents: The addition of new dependents during the year can increase your income limit, potentially raising your WFP rate or extending your eligibility.
3. Income fluctuations: If your household income varies significantly from week to week, your WFP rate may also vary. The Department of Social Protection calculates your WFP using an average, so it’s wise to keep track of any significant income changes throughout the year.
4. Taxable income from certain benefits: While some social welfare benefits (like Child Benefit) don’t count towards your income, others (such as Jobseeker’s Benefit) might. If you receive additional benefits, ensure that you understand how they may impact your WFP eligibility.

Maximizing your WFP benefits in 2025

To ensure you’re receiving the maximum support, consider these tips:

• Report changes in family circumstances: Any changes in family size (such as the birth of a child) should be reported promptly to adjust your income limit accordingly.
• Track income carefully: Since WFP is based on average income, it’s helpful to keep a record of fluctuations, particularly if you’re self-employed or have variable hours. This can help you provide accurate data if you need to reapply or appeal.
• Utilize additional support resources: WFP is one part of Ireland’s social welfare network. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for other supports, such as Child Benefit, Rent Supplement, or Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which can help supplement your WFP.

Frequently asked questions about 2025 Working Family Payment rates