Working Family Payment Calculator (Ireland)

If you're working but money is tight, the Working Family Payment is a weekly, tax-free top-up worth having — and thousands of eligible families never claim it. This free tool estimates what you could get using the 2026 income limits, in about 30 seconds. Nothing is saved.

How it's worked out

The Working Family Payment (WFP) tops up low-paid working families. The Department compares your weekly family income to an income limit based on how many children you have, and pays you 60% of the difference — with a guaranteed minimum of €20 a week if you qualify.

Who can claim

• You're an employee working at least 38 hours a fortnight (about 19 a week). You can combine both partners' hours; self-employment doesn't count.
• You have at least one child under 18 (or 18–22 in full-time education) living with you.
• Your family income is below the limit for your family size (see above).

The 52-week guarantee

Once WFP is awarded, it's fixed for 52 weeks — even if your pay goes up or (in most cases) your hours change. That stability is part of what makes it worth claiming. It also acts as a gateway: WFP recipients can get the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and, from 2026, the Fuel Allowance.

Common questions

This is a free estimate to help you decide whether to make a claim — not an offer or a guarantee, and not financial advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm your exact entitlement with the official source before acting.