In a significant move to support single parents, the Irish government has introduced an updated scheme that could see social welfare recipients qualifying for a bonus worth over €600 annually.
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The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP), designed to assist those raising children without the support of a partner, has been given a substantial boost. From January 2025, recipients of the scheme will see an increase of €12 a week, resulting in an annual addition of €624 to their payments. This updated support is expected to offer much-needed financial relief to one-parent households.
What is the One-Parent Family Payment?
The One-Parent Family Payment is a social welfare benefit for parents, step-parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians who are raising children without the financial or emotional support of a partner. The payment aims to provide assistance to those under 66 years of age, helping them meet the needs of their children and manage day-to-day living costs.
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Who Qualifies for the One-Parent Family Payment?
To qualify for the One-Parent Family Payment, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be under 66 years of age.
- Child Dependency: You must be the primary carer of at least one child under a set age limit, with the child residing with you. The payment is not available if both parents have joint equal custody.
- Means Test: Applicants must pass a means test, which assesses your income. If your income exceeds a certain threshold, you may not qualify.
- Residency: You must live in Ireland and meet the habitual residence condition, although exemptions can apply.
- Relationship Status: If you are separated, divorced, or your civil partnership has been dissolved, you must have been living apart from your partner for at least 3 months. The payment is not available to individuals who are cohabiting (living together without marriage or civil partnership).
If your spouse or civil partner is in prison, they must have been sentenced to at least 6 months or spent at least 6 months in custody for you to be eligible for the payment.
How Much is the One-Parent Family Payment?
The maximum personal weekly rate for the One-Parent Family Payment is €244. However, additional payments are provided for dependent children:
- €50 per week for a child under 12 years old.
- €62 per week for a child aged 12 years and older.
Moreover, as long as the youngest child is under the age limit, families can also receive a Child Support Payment (formerly known as the Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) for all other children in the household. This payment continues until the child turns 18, or 22 if they are in full-time education.
Please note that the One-Parent Family Payment is a taxable source of income, so it will be subject to income tax, depending on your overall financial situation.
Conclusion: Financial Relief for One-Parent Families
The updated One-Parent Family Payment scheme offers critical support to parents who are raising children alone. With the €12 per week increase that translates into an additional €624 annually, single parents can expect a meaningful boost to help with living costs, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.
For more detailed information or to apply for the payment, please visit the relevant government website. This updated scheme is a vital step toward making life more affordable for one-parent families across Ireland.