Families relying on social welfare are sinking below poverty line

FAMILIES dependent on unemployment benefit and lone parent allowances do not have acceptable living budgets, according to a major study.

The report by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice highlights how some families currently have a weekly shortfall of over €60 below recommended levels.

The report estimates 19,000 households consisting of a lone parent with two children do not have a standard of living to meet their physical, psychological and social needs.