The Working Family Payment tops up the pay of working families on low incomes. Find out if you qualify, how much you could get and how to apply on MyWelfare.
The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly top-up for employees with children whose family income is below a set limit. You apply free on MyWelfare.ie or with form WFP1. It pays 60% of the gap between your income and the limit.
Who this is for
- You are an employee. Self-employed people cannot get WFP on self-employment alone.
- You work at least 38 hours a fortnight. You can add up hours from more than one job, or with your spouse, civil partner or partner.
- At least one child normally lives with you. They must be under 18, or 18 to 22 and in full-time day education.
- You pay tax and PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) in Ireland.
- Your average weekly family income is below the limit for your family size.
Some schemes do not count towards the 38 hours, for example self-employment and several community and training schemes. Savings, property and cars are not counted as income.
What you need
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number, and your partner's if you have one
- Recent payslips for you and your partner
- Your employer's registration number, which is on your payslip
- Details of other family income, such as overtime or social welfare payments
- Your bank account details
- A MyGovID account to apply online (a verified one gives you the full service)
Step by step
- Check your hours. You and your partner together need 38 or more a fortnight.
- Work out your average weekly family income: gross pay minus tax, PRSI, USC (Universal Social Charge) and pension contributions, plus other income.
- Compare it with the limit for your number of children in the table below.
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie and choose Working Family Payment.
- Enter your family, employment and bank details, then submit.
- Or, download form WFP1 from the gov.ie WFP page, fill it in and post it to the WFP New Claims Section with your documents.
- Renew within 4 weeks of your claim ending, so the payment does not stop.
How much it costs and how long it takes
| Children | Limit in 2026 | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €765 | €795 |
| 2 | €866 | €896 |
| 3 | €967 | €997 |
| 4 | €1,058 | €1,088 |
| 5 | €1,184 | €1,214 |
| 6 | €1,300 | €1,330 |
| 7 | €1,436 | €1,466 |
| 8 or more | €1,532 | €1,562 |
Your payment starts from the first Thursday after the WFP Section gets your form. The rate then stays the same for 52 weeks, even if your pay changes. Budget 2027 raises every limit by €30 a week from January 2027.
Common mistakes
If you get a pay rise, your WFP will be cut straight away.
Your rate is fixed for 52 weeks. It is looked at again when you renew.
- Using gross pay. WFP counts pay after tax, PRSI, USC and pension contributions.
- Forgetting your partner's hours. They can help you reach 38 a fortnight.
- Missing your renewal. Apply within 4 weeks of the claim ending.
- Not asking for a review when you start caring for another child or your One-Parent Family Payment stops. You can ask to be reassessed early.
If something goes wrong
- Ask for a review by the Deciding Officer, or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the decision.
- Appeal online on MyWelfare with a verified MyGovID, or by post with form SWAO1.
- Social Welfare Appeals Office: (01) 673 2800 or 0818 747 434.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to apply for the One-Parent Family Payment
- How to apply for Child Benefit
- How to apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
- How to avoid emergency tax when you start a new job
- How to get a verified MyGovID
Income limits rise by €30 a week for all family sizes (Budget 2027)
