Almost 6,000 households apply for welfare aid

ALMOST 6,000 new “working poor” households have applied for the Family Income Supplement (FIS) since the start of this year.

However, the Department of Social and Family Affairs’ failure to keep pace with the level of demand has seen a backlog of almost 8,000, with families forced to wait up to 10 weeks for welfare payments. The payment is aimed at filling a gap for families who are working, but on a low income and trying to make ends meet.

The growing waiting lists are highlighted as an issue of concern in a briefing document prepared by the Department for Minister Eamon O Cuiv when he took over the portfolio.