Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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1197. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the working family payment will continue to be paid to families even if there is a reduction in their working hours. [4992/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to playing its part in the overall Government, and indeed national, response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Department is very mindful of the situation of families and people during the current outbreak of COVID-19 and is continually reviewing the impact of and supports available to those affected.

The Working Family Payment provides support for employees with families who have low earnings in relation to their family size. The payment is provided tax-free and is paid weekly. As of December 2019 it is paid to over 54,000 families in respect of more than 119,000 children.

Currently, the Working Family Payment continues to be paid to customers who have experienced a temporary loss of employment, or a reduction in their working hours as a result of COVID-19. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment can also be paid concurrently with an employee's Working Family Payment.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for any support from the Department is through the mywelfare.ie site.