Associacion of Large Families of Ireland (ALFI): Urgent call for action!
Large working families who receive Working Family Payment (WFP) are being systematically pushed into an impossible position
Because WFP is counted as income when assessing eligibility for the Social Housing List, these families are deemed “over the threshold” and refused access to housing supports, but in reality, they remain unable to secure a mortgage, cannot compete in the private rental market, and are often rejected by landlords due to family size.
They are too “rich” for social housing and too poor for accessing the mortgage. This is not policy oversight. This is structural discrimination which is still ignored.
WFP is a support designed to help low-income working families survive. It is not disposable income. It is not wealth. Counting it as standard income for housing eligibility punishes families for working and for having children.
As a result, many large families are forced into overcrowded, unstable housing situations – overcrowding and homelessness. Some are pushed to breaking point. Others are effectively forced to consider separation simply to meet eligibility thresholds and secure a roof over their children’s heads.
No policy should ever create incentives for families to break apart in order to survive. The members of the Parliament (TDs) must act immediately!
The first and most urgent reform is clear: Stop including Working Family Payment in the calculation of income when assessing eligibility for social housing supports. It is urgent. It is important. This single change would prevent working families from being locked out of housing assistance while still unable to access mortgages or sustainable private rentals.
Ireland cannot claim to support families while structurally excluding large working households from housing security.
- We are not asking for privilege.
- We are asking for fairness.
- We are asking for policy that reflects reality.
TDs must initiate this change now!