Working Family Payment Explained

General information only, based on official public sources. Not financial, tax, legal or welfare advice.

What it is

Working Family Payment, or WFP, is an in-work support for employees with children. Gov.ie describes it as a weekly tax-free payment.

It is different from Child Benefit. Child Benefit is a separate payment with different rules.

Key terms

Term	Meaning
WFP	Working Family Payment.
Income limit	The family income threshold that applies based on the number of children.
Average weekly family income	Income used by the Department to calculate WFP.
52-week payment	WFP is generally paid for 52 weeks, subject to official rules.

General rules

Gov.ie says WFP is for employees with children. The person must work at least 19 hours a week or 38 hours a fortnight. A person cannot qualify if only self-employed.

The payment depends on the number of children and average weekly family income. Gov.ie says the payment is 60% of the difference between weekly family income and the income limit for that family size.

Income limits and rates

WFP income limits are listed on gov.ie and can change. This page does not reproduce every family-size limit because the official table is the best place to check the current figure.

General example

If a family income is below the income limit for its family size, the Department calculates WFP using the official formula. This is a simplified explanation only. The Department decides the exact amount.

Common misunderstandings

"Working Family Payment is the same as Child Benefit."

They are separate payments with different rules.

"Self-employment alone qualifies for WFP."

Gov.ie describes WFP as a payment for employees, and official guidance says a person cannot qualify if only self-employed.

"The same income limit applies to every family."

The income limit depends on the number of children.

Where to check officially

Eligibility and rates can depend on the payment, household circumstances and Department of Social Protection assessment. The official sources below are the places to check current rules.