Payments for families
| Payment | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Child Benefit | Parents of children under 16, or older children in full-time education or with a disability |
| Working Family Payment | Employees with children on a low income who work at least 38 hours a fortnight |
| One-Parent Family Payment | Lone parents on a low income |
| Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance | Lower-income families, each summer |
| Fuel Allowance | People on certain long-term payments, through the winter |
| Housing Assistance Payment | People who qualify for social housing and rent privately |
Child Benefit isn’t means-tested: you get it whatever you earn. It’s €140 a month for each child, paid on the first Tuesday of the month. See social welfare payment dates.
The Working Family Payment is worth checking even if you think you earn too much. It’s based on your family’s weekly income and the number of children you have, and it pays 60% of the gap between your income and the limit for your family size. A couple working full-time on low pay can qualify.
Help with health costs
A medical card gives free GP visits and other services on a lower income. A GP visit card covers GP visits only, and all children under a set age qualify. If you have a full medical card, you also pay less USC on income up to €60,000: see USC explained.
How much your tax credits are worth
A tax credit comes off your income tax euro for euro. A single employee’s two main credits, €2,000 each in 2026, cancel the 20% tax on the first €20,000 they earn. A credit is worth more than a relief at 20%: a €1,000 credit saves €1,000, while €1,000 of medical expenses saves €200.
- Single employee Credits: €4,000 in 2026, €4,250 in 2027
- 2026: €20,000 2027: €21,250
- Single parent, child living with you Credits: €5,900 in 2026, €6,150 in 2027
- 2026: €29,500 2027: €30,750
- Married couple, one employee earning Credits: €6,000 in 2026, €6,375 in 2027
- 2026: €30,000 2027: €31,875
Your credits cancel the 20% tax on this much income. USC and PRSI are worked out separately, so you may still pay those.
Credits you don’t use aren’t paid out, so a low earner may not get the full value of every credit.
Tax credits worth checking
- Rent tax credit if you rent your home: up to €1,000 a year in 2026. See the rent tax credit.
- Single Person Child Carer Credit: €1,900 for a lone parent whose child lives with them, along with a bigger rate band.
- Home Carer Tax Credit for married couples or civil partners where one cares for children or a dependent person at home.
- Medical expenses relief: 20% back on many doctors’ and prescription costs.
- Flat-rate expenses for jobs such as nursing, teaching and hotel work, without receipts.
Claim them in myAccount on Revenue’s website, including for the past four years. See tax credits and emergency tax for the full list.
How to check what you can get
- Citizens Information explains every payment and has an information line (0818 07 4000).
- MyWelfare.ie lets you apply for many payments online.
- Your local Intreo Centre can advise you in person.
Why it matters
These payments and credits can be worth thousands of euro a year. Put them in your budget, and use any back payments to build an emergency fund.