How does work affect it?

PRSI, pension and union dues come off your pay first. The first €165 a week of the rest isn't counted, €175 from July 2027. Half of what's left counts as your means. Then €2.50 comes off for each €2.50 of means over €7.60.

What would I get on €300 a week?

With 2 children under 12 and 1 older, the most is €448. Your means are (€300 − €165) × 50% = €67.50, so €60 comes off and you get €388.

Can I get Working Family Payment with it?

Yes, if you work 38 hours or more a fortnight. Working Family Payment isn't counted for this payment, but this payment counts as income for Working Family Payment.

What happens when my youngest turns 7?

The payment stops. You may then get Jobseeker's Transitional Payment (JST) until your youngest turns 14. With Domiciliary Care Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Blind Pension it goes on to 16.

Does maintenance count?

Maintenance for the children doesn't count, since June 2024. Nor does money the other parent pays towards your rent or mortgage. Maintenance for you does: up to €95.23 a week of rent or mortgage comes off, then half counts.

Work and social welfare

One-Parent Family Payment

Your weekly payment parenting alone while your youngest is under 7, and how pay and maintenance change it.

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

How does work affect it?: PRSI, pension and union dues come off your pay first. The first €165 a week of the rest isn't counted, €175 from July 2027. Half of what's left counts as your means. Then €2.50 comes off for each €2.50 of means over €7.60.
What would I get on €300 a week?: With 2 children under 12 and 1 older, the most is €448. Your means are (€300 − €165) × 50% = €67.50, so €60 comes off and you get €388.
Can I get Working Family Payment with it?: Yes, if you work 38 hours or more a fortnight. Working Family Payment isn't counted for this payment, but this payment counts as income for Working Family Payment.
What happens when my youngest turns 7?: The payment stops. You may then get Jobseeker's Transitional Payment (JST) until your youngest turns 14. With Domiciliary Care Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Blind Pension it goes on to 16.
Does maintenance count?: Maintenance for the children doesn't count, since June 2024. Nor does money the other parent pays towards your rent or mortgage. Maintenance for you does: up to €95.23 a week of rent or mortgage comes off, then half counts.

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