Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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379. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average processing times for working family payment applications in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56316/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment.  The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment.  Once awarded WFP is payable for 52 weeks.  At the end of the 52-week period a customer must reapply (renew) to determine ongoing eligibility. 

The number of new applications for the Working Family Payment to date this year is 71% higher than in 2021.

The average processing time for new Working Family Payment applications is currently 4 weeks.  Please see below table of new claims processing times from 2020 to date as requested.

Working Family Payment New Claims Processing Information

Year  New Claims ReceivedAverage Processing Time

202017,043 2 Weeks

202122,623 2 Weeks

202226,508 (up to end of Sep 22) 4 Weeks

Separately, WFP Renewal customers are invited to reapply in advance of the renewal date giving applicants an opportunity to apply and source relevant information.  Where all information has been provided in time, the claim is processed prior to the expiry of the current claim ensuring a continuity of payment.  Claims are processed on the basis of renewal date to ensure no break in payment.

The easiest and fastest ways for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.