Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1044. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the source of income which has been included in the assessment of a working family payment application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44898/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Working Family Payment (WFP) is an income-tested weekly tax-free payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children. WFP is awarded and paid for 52 weeks and a person must re-apply at the end of a 52 week award period to have their payment renewed.

All household income is assessable for WFP and must be disclosed by an applicant. Household income that is assessable for WFP includes an applicant's and their spouse's or partner's average net weekly assessable earnings from employment plus any other income such as other social welfare payments , farm income, income from self employment, income from rented property , etc.

The applicant's spouse has income from farming.

According to a report from the Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) dated 14th September 2018 the net yearly income from farming is €16,844.93 per annum (€323.94 per week). This sum was assessed in 2014 based on evidence provided by the applicant.

The applicant has not to date provided up to date evidence to the SWI so the 2014 income assessment of €16,844.93 was used to calculate their current entitlement.

The person concerned has appealed this decision and a submission is being prepared by the deciding officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.