One-Parent Family Payment in Ireland: Eligibility and Rates

The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) supports parents raising a child alone, whether due to separation, bereavement, or never having lived with the other parent. Here's how it works, what it's worth, and what other supports are available through Intreo.

How much is the One-Parent Family Payment?

As of 2025, the maximum personal rate of One-Parent Family Payment is €232 per week, with an additional payment for each qualified child on top of the personal rate. As with other social welfare payments, rates are reviewed annually in the Budget, so check the current figure at citizensinformation.ie or gov.ie before relying on an exact number.

Who is eligible for One-Parent Family Payment?

To qualify, you generally need to be parenting alone (not living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner), have at least one dependent child under age 7 living with you (the age limit is notably lower than many other family supports, reflecting that OFP is intended as a bridge to employment as children get older), and satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition if you're a newcomer to Ireland. Once your youngest child turns 7, you may transition to Jobseeker's Allowance (often with a "Jobseeker's Transitional" arrangement that relaxes some job-seeking requirements) rather than continuing on OFP. If you're separated, divorced or widowed and new to the Irish system, it's worth discussing your specific situation with an Intreo case officer, since eligibility interacts with maintenance payments and other supports.

How does the income disregard work?

One of the more generous features of OFP is its income disregard for earnings. As of 2025, the first €165 of your gross weekly earnings is disregarded entirely, meaning you can earn up to this amount and still receive your full OFP payment. Above €165, only half of the remaining earnings count as means, so the payment tapers off gradually rather than being cut off sharply once you start working. This structure is specifically designed to make part-time and moderate full-time work worthwhile alongside the payment, rather than creating a cliff-edge that discourages parents from taking up employment.

What other supports can Intreo help with?

Beyond the core payment, Intreo case officers can help One-Parent Family Payment recipients access:

• Working Family Payment: a top-up for parents in low-paid employment with children, which can be claimed alongside reduced OFP or after transitioning to work.
• Back to Work Family Dividend and similar activation supports, for parents moving from welfare into employment.
• Back to Education Allowance, for parents wanting to pursue further education or training while retaining income support.
• Childcare supports, including the National Childcare Scheme subsidy, which can be essential for enabling a parent to take up work or study.
• Referral to JobPath or Local Employment Services for CV support, interview preparation and job-matching.

It's worth booking a one-to-one meeting with your local Intreo Centre specifically to map out which of these might apply to your situation, since take-up is often lower than eligibility due to lack of awareness.

How do you apply for One-Parent Family Payment?

Apply using the OFP1 application form, available from gov.ie or your local Intreo Centre, or online via MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID account. You'll need your PPS number and your child's PPS number, proof of your parenting-alone status (such as evidence of separation, a death certificate, or confirmation the other parent isn't part of the household), evidence of habitual residence if you're a newcomer, and details of any income or maintenance payments received.

Frequently Asked Questions