Changes to child maintenance payments to aid lone parents

The Department of Socia Protection said the changes will benefit approximately 16,000 lone parents
Changes to child maintenance payments to aid lone parents

Muireann Duffy

Changes to the system for child maintenance payments will benefit approximately 16,000 lone parents, according to the Department of Social Protection.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the plans on Friday, which will see child maintenance payments excluded from social welfare means testing.

Lone parents will no longer need to seek maintenance from the child's other parent in order to access the One Parent Family payment or Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment as a result of the changes.

Previously, lone parents had to go to court to seek a maintenance order to gain access to these supports.

The department added that many lone parents on reduced payment rates will also see their allowance increase under the reform, and more people are expected to quality for the payments.

It is estimated the changes will cost the State approximately €10 million per year.

"The liable relative provisions have not been applied to new claims for One-Parent Family Payment. As a result, the Department no longer seeks to recoup a portion of claim costs from the non-resident parent.

"It is important to note that removing these provisions does not replace or supersede the primary responsibility of parents to maintain their children," the department added.

The changes will take effect following amendments to the relevant legislation, with Ms Humphreys hoping to publish the Bill "as early as possible in the Autumn".

The reforms follow recommendations from the Child Maintenance Review Group, which was chaired by former Circuit Court judge Catherine Murphy.

More in this section

Wicklow man (21) sentenced to 18 months for firearm possession Wicklow man (21) sentenced to 18 months for firearm possession
Man settles action against National Maternity Hospital for €10m nearly 45 years after his birth Man settles action against National Maternity Hospital for €10m nearly 45 years after his birth
PSNI stock Arrest after man spotted ‘brandishing weapon’ in Lisburn

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more