Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 427: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of family income supplement; the reason for the suspension of payments while applications are under review; the average processing time for reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38746/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are currently some 27338 people in receipt of a weekly family income supplement (FIS) payment.

The relevant legislation provides that once FIS is awarded, it continues to be payable at the rate awarded for a period of 52 weeks provided that the person remains in employment. However, the rate of payment may be increased if an additional child is born in the course of the 52 weeks.

In advance of the end of the 52 week period, each FIS recipient is sent a form to apply for renewal of their payment. If they wish to reapply, they must complete and return the form to the department. Payment of FIS stops automatically after a year and only those customers who reapply will have their entitlement re-assessed. Customers who wish to reapply must submit fresh income details in order that their continued entitlement and the appropriate rate for their family circumstances for the coming year can be assessed. Where a customer is entitled to renewal of FIS for a further 52 weeks, they are notified of the rate payable and any arrears due are issued.

Applications received by the department for renewal of FIS are prioritised in accordance with the date that their payment is due to cease. The average processing time for renewal applications is currently 9 weeks.