FIS cut raises fears of homelessness

THE Government has been urged to have a last-minute change of heart over budget cuts to the family income supplement (FIS), which could force hundreds of working families over the edge.

During tense Dáil debates on welfare cuts, letters were read out from people who feared they would be forced into poverty or left homeless.

Under the changes, a household will see their FIS payments cut if they also receive the carer’s allowance. This is because the allowance will be considered as “means” when calculating the rate of FIS — a payment for those on low income as an incentive to stay in work where they might be better off on welfare.