Updated for 2026 DSP rates.
What is Working Family Payment?
Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly known as Family Income Supplement (FIS), is a tax-free weekly payment for employees with children who are on low pay. It is designed to encourage people to take up or remain in employment. It is administered by the DSP.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Be an employee (not self-employed) working at least 38 hours per fortnight (19 hours per week on average)
- Have at least one qualified child who normally lives with you (under 18, or under 22 in full-time education)
- Have a total family income below the WFP income threshold for your family size
- Be habitually resident in Ireland
- Expect to be in employment for at least 3 months
2026 Income Thresholds
| Number of Children | Weekly Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| 1 child | €765.00 |
| 2 children | €866.00 |
| 3 children | €967.00 |
| 4 children | €1,058.00 |
| 5 children | €1,184.00 |
| 6 children | €1,300.00 |
| 7 children | €1,436.00 |
| 8 or more children | €1,532.00 |
How WFP is Calculated
Your WFP payment is 60% of the difference between your total average weekly family income and the applicable income threshold. For example:
- 2-child family: threshold is €866. Your weekly income is €500. The difference is €366. Your WFP = 60% × €366 = €219.60 per week
The minimum WFP payment is €10 per week. There is no maximum — it simply depends on how far your income is below the threshold.
How to Apply
Apply online at MyWelfare.ie. You will need:
- Your PPS number and your children's PPS numbers
- Proof of employment (payslips for the last 3 months or a letter from your employer)
- Details of your total household income
Important Notes
- WFP is not taxed and does not affect your PRSI or tax credits
- WFP is paid directly into your bank account every week or every 2 weeks
- You must notify the DSP if your hours or income change
- WFP is awarded for 52 weeks — you get the same rate for the full year even if your income changes (unless you change jobs or your hours drop below 38 per fortnight)
How WFP works in 2026
The Working Family Payment (WFP) tops up the wages of employees with children whose family income is below the threshold for their family size. It is tax-free, paid weekly or fortnightly, and awarded for 52 weeks at a fixed rate — your payment does not change if your hours vary (as long as you stay above 38 hours a fortnight and do not change jobs). Budget 2026 increased every income threshold by €60 a week: the 2026 limits are €765 for one child, €866 for two, €967 for three, €1,058 for four, €1,184 for five, €1,300 for six, €1,436 for seven and €1,532 for eight or more children. The payment is 60% of the difference between your family income and the threshold.
Who qualifies
You must be an employee (not self-employed) working at least 38 hours per fortnight (19 hours a week on average), have at least one qualified child living with you (under 18, or under 22 in full-time education), have family income below the threshold, and be habitually resident. If your hours are spread unevenly, the 38-hour fortnightly test can still be met — the DSP looks at your average hours over the claim period. People on parental leave or Illness Benefit have special rules, and WFP continues for up to 36 days of Illness Benefit per illness period. Since March 2026, WFP households also qualify for the Fuel Allowance (paid from March 2026, backdated to January 2026).
How much you get and an example
Your WFP is 60% of the gap between your average weekly family income and the threshold for your family size, with a minimum payment of €10 a week. Example: a couple with two children where one parent earns €500 a week — threshold €866; the gap is €366; 60% of that is €219.60 a week, tax-free, on top of the wage. Family income includes your spouse or partner's earnings, Child Benefit is ignored, and the payment is not taxed and does not affect your tax credits or PRSI record. Because the award is fixed for 52 weeks, a pay rise mid-year does not reduce it until renewal.
Applying and renewing
Apply online at mywelfare.ie with your PPS number, your children's PPS numbers, proof of employment (payslips for the last 3 months or an employer letter) and details of total family income. Claims are backdated to the date of application, so apply as soon as your income drops or your family grows. At renewal, the DSP recalculates using your latest income — if your pay has risen above the threshold, the claim ends. If you are refused, you can ask for a review or appeal within 21 days. Self-employed parents do not qualify for WFP; check the Working Family Payment-like supports for the self-employed with a Citizens Information Centre.
Action steps
- Check the threshold for your family size before your income drops — timing matters because claims start from application.
- Keep payslips and employer letters for the last 3 months.
- If you receive WFP, confirm your Fuel Allowance claim (new for 2026).
- Report changes in hours, income or family size — the 52-week award is fixed, but dishonesty at claim time is a criminal offence.
- Renew on time each year — a gap in the award means a gap in income.