We're almost two months into 2023, and cost of living expenses continue to put pressure on families across the country.
The government announced a variety of additional supports as part of Budget 2023 with changes to social welfare and other government supports. But for many people, paying expensive monthly bills and filling a fridge is getting more difficult due to inflation and doesn't seem to be slowing down quite yet.
However, there are four handy little-known social welfare payments that can help ease the burden; the One Parent Family Payment, Back to Work Family Dividend, Living Alone Increase, and Homemakers Scheme. Here's everything to known about these payments and how to claim them:
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One-Parent Family Payment
Up until 1997 women who were left by their husband could claim Deserted Wife's Benefit. While payment no longer takes applications, you can now apply for One-Parent Family Payment instead.
The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a payment for men and women under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. Those who are working full time can still qualify for this payment.
To qualify for the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) you must:
- Be aged under 66
- Be the parent, step-parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of a child under a certain age - see ‘Age limit for a child’ below
- Be the main carer of at least one child under the age limit. The child must live with you. OFP is not paid if the parents have joint equal custody of a child or children.
- Pass a means test – a means test looks at any income that you have – see ‘How your income is assessed for the One-Parent Family Payment’ below
- Live in Ireland and meet the habitual residence condition – find out more about exemptions from the habitual residency condition.
- Not be living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting
You can find out more here.
Back to Work Family Dividend
The Back to Work Family Dividend is available to support people moving from social welfare into employment. If you qualify for this scheme, you will receive a weekly payment for up to 2 years.
The payment means that you will be paid the equivalent of any Increase for Qualified Children that were being paid on your jobseeker or one-parent family payment, up to a maximum of 4 children, for the first year in employment.
For more information on this visit gov.ie
Living Alone Increase
The Living Alone increase is a payment for those on social welfare who are also living alone. The current weekly rate is €22 in 2023.
If you are 66 years or over and live alone, you will qualify if you are getting one of the following payments: State Pension (contributory/non-contributory), incapacity benefit, widows, widowers or civil partners payment.
The full list can be found here.
Homemaker's Scheme
The Homemaker's Scheme makes it easier for you as a homemaker to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory) when you reach pension age. A homemaker, under the scheme, is someone who provides full-time care for a child under 12 or an ill or disabled person over 12.
To qualify, the applicant needs to:
- be aged under 66
- have started insurable employment or self-employment on or after the age of 16 and before the age of 56
- not work full-time but you can work and earn less than €38 gross a week
- care full-time for a child under 12 or an ill or disabled person
Check out the full criteria here gov.ie
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