Changes to Lone Parents Allowance
Changes to the lone parents allowance are going to be implemented next Wednesday 8th July. Lone parents whose youngest child has reached 7 years old will have their payment stopped. These payment cuts could cost some families €87 a week. Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said “The aspirational talk about returning to work will not compensate these families and these women for a cut of that magnitude that is the bottom line.” Labour TD Joe Costello came out in defence of the new measures, “the reality is that lone parents have been stuck in a poverty trap and this is an effort to allow them another more worthwhile way”. A spokesman representing the Tánaiste stated that about 20,000 lone parent’s families wouldn’t experience a loss of income when the welfare cuts are implemented. About 10,000 single parents will need to source employment when their payments are cut.
Lone parent groups, One Family and the Society of the St Vincent De Paul have been naturally buy ksalol xanax critical of the cutbacks stating that this will have a tremendous impact on poverty stricken families. Stuart Duffin, One Family Director of Policy and Programmes, said “calls to our askonefamily helpline have increased by 50%. We hear from very anxious and worried parents. They want to work and want to learn. They are determined to create brighter futures for their children. They are doing their best to overcome systemic barriers but this is not something that can happen within a reform process that penalises so many already in part-time employment”.
John – Mark McCafferty, SVP Head of Social Justice and Policy stated that half of one parent families are in emergency accommodation or at risk of becoming homeless. Approximately 30,200 single parents received their last payment on June 25th and these parents have transitioned to Jobseekers Transitional Allowance or Jobseekers Allowance.
This issue will have particular resonance with our community, which has one of the highest proportion of single parents in the state. For analysis of the cuts click here
