Q: I am getting a reduced One-Parent Family Payment because I work
part-time in the mornings. My employer has just cut my hours. I was
earning €250 a week and Iʼm now down to €130 a week. Does this
have any effect on my payment?

A:If people on a One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) experience a
drop in income, they may be entitled to an increase in their OFP
(this differs from Family Income Supplement (FIS) which is only
reviewed yearly). In your case, since you are now earning less than
€146.50 a week you are entitled to the full OFP. To get the increase
you should send a current payslip with a letter from your employer
confirming the change in your work situation to your local Social
Welfare Office.

The amount of One-Parent Family Payment you get depends on
your weekly means. Income from employment is calculated as follows:
• The first €146.50 of your gross weekly earnings is not taken into
account. This means that you can earn up to €146.50per week andqualify
for the full One-Parent Family Payment.

• Half the remainder of your gross earnings up to €425 per week is
assessed as means. If you earn between €146.50 and €425 per week
you may qualify for a reduced payment.

• Social insurance contributions, health contributions, superannuation
contributions and trade union subscriptions are not taken into
account in the assessment of earnings. However, your gross earnings
must be below €425 before any deductions are allowed.

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Ringsend/Irishtown
Citizensʼ Information Service which provides a free and confidential
service to the public. Tel: 016604789. Address: Ringsend/
Irishtown Community Centre, Thorncastle Street Dublin 4.

Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie
and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call
1890 777 121.