Surge in ‘working poor’ delays state aid

A SURGE in the number of “working poor” households applying for state help to top up their incomes has led to waiting times of more than four months for the Family Income Supplement (FIS).

New figures show a backlog of 13,000 families seeking approval for the payment, which is aimed at aiding households on a low income and struggling to make ends meet.

The long waiting period has led to concerns that people might leave work because, without the supplement, they would be better off on social welfare.