Why doesn't my Working Family Payment drop straight away?

Working Family Payment (WFP) is fixed for 52 weeks. A raise only counts when you renew. Then WFP falls by 60% of the rise in your take-home pay, with any part of a euro counted as a euro.

What is the Fuel Allowance cliff?

Since January 2026, Working Family Payment brings Fuel Allowance: €38 a week for 28 weeks, €43 from January 2027. If a raise takes your family income over the limit, both stop together. On the lowest payment, €20 a week, that can cost more than the raise.

Does HAP stop if I earn more?

No. Once you have HAP there is no income limit. Your rent to the council goes up instead, by 12.5% to 21% of the extra take-home, depending on the council.

Work and social welfare

What do I really keep from extra hours?

Of each extra €100 you earn, what is left after tax, rent and the Working Family Payment you lose at renewal.

Self-assessment tool. The figures come from your own answers. It isn't advice, and you're responsible for what you file or claim. heypenny.ie is a trading name of Kinch Press. Read the disclaimer.

Common questions

Why doesn't my Working Family Payment drop straight away?: Working Family Payment (WFP) is fixed for 52 weeks. A raise only counts when you renew. Then WFP falls by 60% of the rise in your take-home pay, with any part of a euro counted as a euro.
What is the Fuel Allowance cliff?: Since January 2026, Working Family Payment brings Fuel Allowance: €38 a week for 28 weeks, €43 from January 2027. If a raise takes your family income over the limit, both stop together. On the lowest payment, €20 a week, that can cost more than the raise.
Does HAP stop if I earn more?: No. Once you have HAP there is no income limit. Your rent to the council goes up instead, by 12.5% to 21% of the extra take-home, depending on the council.

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