Money

Whether it’s paying the bills, making sure you are receiving the right benefits, or looking for maintenance for your child, money worries are a problem for many people who parent alone. Click on the links below to read more, and if you want to connect with people in your situation, why not join us or call our askonefamily helpline 1890 662212.

Changes from Budget 2013 click here

One-Parent Family Payment
The One-Parent Family Payment is the main payment made to men and women, parenting alone without the support of a partner.

Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 if the child is in full-time education, attending Youthreach or has a disability.

Secondary Benefits

Fuel Allowance
Fuel Allowance helps towards the cost of heating your home during the colder months. It is a payment of €20 a week to go towards your heating bills.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
This payment aims at supporting families on lower incomes with the cost of school uniforms and footwear.

Rent Supplement
This means tested payment can help towards paying your rent.

Family Income Supplement (FIS)
If you work 19 hours or more a week you may be eligible for this payment to working families on a lower income.

Back to Education Allowance
This scheme can enable a lone parent to go back to approved second or third level education to study on a full-time basis and retain a social welfare payment.

Maternity Benefit
Maternity Benefit is a payment made to women who are on maternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI).  It is paid for a maximum of 26 weeks however you can take an additional 16 weeks of maternity leave, unpaid.

One Parent Family Tax Credit
The One Parent Family Tax Credit can be claimed by completing the form, which is available from Revenue.  You can claim the credit if you are unmarried, separated, divorced, or widowed and have a dependent child.  If you are eligible for this tax credit then you are also entitled to an increase in the standard rate tax band.  This means you can earn upto €36,800 before paying tax at the higher rate of 41%.

Medical Card
If your sole income is social welfare then you will be eligible for a medical card.

GP Visit Card
If you are not eligible for a Medical card, as assessed by the HSE then you may be considered for a GP visit card.