The Budget is looming larger with each passing week, with Irish people struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.
Therefore it's important that you avail of any and all financial help that's available to you, and one in particular could be helping parents out without them even being aware of it.
In fact, thousands could be missing out on the weekly payment of €208.
READ MORE: Spar, Centra and more Irish shops selling huge bags of food for just €4
Not sure what we're talking about? Let us explain.
The One-Parent Family Payment is for men and women under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.
In order to qualify for the payment, you must have at least one child under seven years of age, as well as meeting other criteria.
You can work and get One-Parent Family Payment but your income must be below a certain amount.
If you get the One-Parent Family Payment you can use the Household Budget Scheme to help you manage your bills. You may also get other benefits such as Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment, medical card and help with your rent.
How to qualify for the One-Parent Family Payment
To qualify for the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) you must:
- Be aged under 66
- Be the parent, step-parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of a child under seven
- Be the main carer of at least one child under the age limit. The child must live with you. OFP is not paid if the parents have joint equal custody of a child or children.
- Pass a means test – a means test looks at any income that you have
- Live in Ireland and meet the habitual residence condition
- Not be living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting
For more information on the payment, you can click here.
READ NEXT:
