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.

“It is important that welfare support schemes that are specifically targeted at households where child poverty is an issue, reach the maximum number of those in need,” Mr Brennan said at the launch in Dublin.

“The economic surge Ireland continues to enjoy can only be considered a real success when the benefits of it reach all of the people, especially those struggling on the margins of society,” he added.

Families can get top-up support of between €20 and €400 per week, depending on their income and the size of their family.

The Government spent €72.1 million on their FIS scheme in 2005.

The national awareness campaign includes extensive week-long TV, radio and print media exposure.

The campaign is supported by local social welfare officers, Citizen Information Centres and national information agency Comhairle.

The FIS can boost the income of a two-parent family with two children on the minimum wage of €16,000 by over €5,000.

Mr Brennan added: “Research has shown that poverty is more likely to be concentrated in larger families and in the families of lone parents.

“It has also shown that the best route out of poverty for all experiencing difficulties is through paid employment with extra support.

“Since changes in income limits announced in the budget, FIS applications have increased by over 35% compared to last year.

“FIS is calculated at 60% of the difference between net weekly income and the income limit for your family size.”

An information booklet can be ordered by phoning 1890-202325 or from www.welfare.ie.