20,000 families in line for welfare hikes

UP to 20,000 low-income families may be entitled to welfare top-ups of €400 per week under the family income scheme.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan launched an awareness campaign to promote a better take-up of the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme for working parents on low wages.

The FIS is a key plank of the Government’s programme of reforms targeted at addressing child poverty. The scheme provides direct cash support and new increased income limits, announced in December’s Budget, mean it is now easier for families to qualify.