One-Parent Family Payment Ireland 2026 — €242/week + child increases
One-Parent Family Payment in Ireland
The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) pays €242 per week plus child increases to single parents who are the main carer of a child under 7. Here is who qualifies, how much you get, how working affects your payment, and how to apply.
One-Parent Family Payment — At a glance
- Personal rate
- €242/week
- Child increase (under 12)
- +€58/week
- Child increase (12+)
- +€78/week
- Youngest child age limit
- Under 7
- PRSI required
- No — means-tested
- Taxable
- No
- Earnings disregard
- First €165/week ignored; 50% of earnings above that
Key facts — One-Parent Family Payment 2026
Who qualifies for the One-Parent Family Payment?
- You are the main carer of at least one child under 7 years of age
- You are not living with a partner or cohabiting
- You are not receiving another primary social welfare payment
- You satisfy the means test
- You are habitually resident in Ireland
2026 payment rates — OFP
Your weekly payment depends on the number and age of your children:
| Family situation (example) | Weekly total (before means test) |
|---|---|
| 1 child under 12 | €242 + €58 = €300 |
| 1 child aged 12+ | €242 + €78 = €320 |
| 2 children (both under 12) | €242 + €116 = €358 |
| 2 children (1 under 12, 1 aged 12+) | €242 + €58 + €78 = €378 |
Working and the One-Parent Family Payment
Working is encouraged. The earnings disregard rules mean you can earn a reasonable income without losing your full payment:
- First €165/week of net earnings — fully disregarded (no effect on payment)
- Earnings above €165/week — 50% of the excess is assessed as means
Report any change in your employment status or earnings immediately. Failure to do so can result in overpayment recovery.
After OFP ends — Jobseeker's Transition Payment
When your youngest child turns 7, the OFP stops. You may then qualify for the Jobseeker's Transition Payment (JST):
- For single parents whose youngest child is aged 7–13
- Same rate as Jobseeker's Allowance (€242/week) — but you are not required to be available for full-time work
- You must engage with activation measures (education, training, part-time work)
- Once the youngest child turns 14, standard Jobseeker's Allowance rules apply
How to apply for the One-Parent Family Payment
-
Complete form OFP1
Available from Intreo Centres, post offices or gov.ie. Include your personal details, details of all qualifying children, your income and any maintenance payments you receive.
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Gather supporting documents
You will need: the child's birth certificate, your PPS number, proof of your address, bank account details, and evidence that you are not cohabiting (such as sole tenancy or mortgage in your name).
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Submit to your Intreo Centre
Submit the completed form and documents to your local Intreo Centre. A social welfare officer may contact you to discuss your application.
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Receive payment
If approved, OFP is paid weekly directly to your bank account. You must report any changes in income, household composition, or living arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the One-Parent Family Payment in 2026?
€242/week personal rate, plus €58/week per child under 12 and €78/week per child aged 12+. The total depends on how many children you have and their ages.
Who qualifies for the One-Parent Family Payment?
Single parents who are the main carer of at least one child under 7, are not cohabiting, satisfy the means test and are habitually resident in Ireland. No PRSI required.
What happens when my youngest child turns 7?
The OFP stops and you may transfer to the Jobseeker's Transition Payment (for children aged 7–13), which has the same rate but reduced activation requirements. When your youngest turns 14, standard Jobseeker's rules apply.
Can I work while receiving OFP?
Yes. The first €165/week of net earnings is fully disregarded. Above €165, 50% is assessed as means. Working is actively encouraged.
What is the means test for OFP?
First €165/week of earnings disregarded. 50% of earnings above €165 assessed. Other income (maintenance, rental) assessed in full. Capital assessed at standard rates.
Can immigrants claim OFP?
Yes — Stamp 4 holders, refugees and those with subsidiary protection can qualify if they satisfy the HRC. Stamp 1 holders and international protection applicants generally cannot claim.
How do I apply?
Complete form OFP1 with the child's birth certificate, proof of address and income details. Submit to your local Intreo Centre.
- The OFP stops when your youngest qualifying child turns 7 — not when all children are adults. The age of the youngest child is the deciding factor.
- You can work while receiving OFP. The €165/week earnings disregard and the 50% taper are designed to make working financially worthwhile.
- The OFP is not related to child maintenance. It is a social welfare payment, and maintenance received from the other parent is assessed as income in the means test.
- When the OFP ends at age 7, you do not move directly to standard Jobseeker's — you move to the Jobseeker's Transition Payment (JST), which has lighter activation requirements until the youngest turns 14.
- The OFP is not taxable — you will not owe Income Tax on this payment.
- OFP does not require PRSI contributions — it is means-tested, so employment history is irrelevant to eligibility.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 One-Parent Family Payment rates and eligibility rules.