The Back to Work Family Dividend (BTWFD) is a valuable support that helps parents transition from social welfare into employment — without losing all their benefits straight away. Whether you’re starting a new job or becoming self-employed, this scheme allows you to keep some child-related payments for up to two years. What Is the Back to Work Family Dividend and Who Can Get It?
If you’re moving off Jobseeker’s Allowance, the One-Parent Family Payment, or the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment, this weekly payment could make a real difference.
What You’ll Get
The BTWFD pays a weekly Child Support Payment (CSP) for each qualified child (up to four children):
From January 2025:
| Age of Child | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 | €50 | €25 |
| 12 and over | €62 | €31 |
- Paid weekly in arrears via bank transfer.
- Not taxable.
- Not assessed as means for other supports like Working Family Payment or Rent Supplement.
Who Can Qualify?
You must:
- Have at least one qualified child.
- Be coming off Jobseeker’s Allowance/Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, or Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment.
- Have been unemployed for at least 12 months, with 6 months in the past year.
- Start employment or self-employment within 4 weeks of signing off your qualifying payment.
- Not be on another primary social welfare payment.
You may also qualify if you leave a Community Employment scheme, Tús, Back to Education Allowance, or Rural Social Scheme and move into work.
Extra Supports You Can Still Receive
While getting BTWFD, you can still claim several other helpful payments and supports:
✅ Working Family Payment (WFP)
✅ Child Benefit
✅ Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
✅ Domiciliary Care Allowance
✅ Rent Supplement
✅ Additional Needs Payment
✅ Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)
✅ Maternity and Paternity Benefit
✅ Mortgage Interest Supplement
✅ Illness/Injury Benefit (for up to 36 days)
✅ Disablement and Death Benefits under the Occupational Injuries Scheme
Good to know: The BTWFD is not taken into account in the means test for Rent Supplement or the Working Family Payment — so you can still qualify even if you’re receiving these.
What Stops the Payment?
The BTWFD ends if:
- You or your partner go back on a primary social welfare payment, or
- You stop working.
However, if you lose your job, you may be able to restart the payment up to 2 times during the 2-year period, if you return to work again.
How to Apply
- Fill out the BTWFD1 form, available online or at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
- Return it with supporting documents as required.
- If there’s a delay in applying, a Deciding Officer can backdate your payment for up to 6 months if you had a valid reason.
Final Thought
This scheme is a fantastic way to ease the financial pressure when making the move back into work. It ensures families aren’t penalised for taking up employment, and it can be combined with other supports to maximise your income and stability.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, drop into your local Intreo office or call them for tailored advice.
What Is the Back to Work Family Dividend and Who Can Get It?
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