Sneeky Reduction in Famiy Income Supplement

coldcake

Just received my renewal notice for my Family Income Support, I have had a substantial drop this year.

When I rang to ask why they said they are now calculating it differently at renewal, something about using my P60 as it is based on 52 weeks!

I have always submitted my P60 and pay advice slip. I suspect this is a reduction by stealth. Had anyone else been affected by this?

In essence they argued there has been no change to the rate, just a change in how they calculate the amount, which still leaves me a lot worse off.

wmpdd3

There are no updates on the FIS page on Welfare.

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Family-Income-Supplement.aspx

This has always been there:

Calculation of average assessable earnings.

To determine average assessable earnings, it is normal practice to look at an applicant’s and their spouse / civil partner’s / cohabitant’s earnings over a long period of time. If you (both of you) have been working for over a year, we calculate the average earnings from the latest P60.

However, if you / your spouse / civil partner / cohabitant have only recently commenced/changed employment or had a change to the conditions of your employment (e.g. reduced hours) we would normally calculate the average assessable earnings on the earnings since the start of the employment / tax year / date conditions changed.

However, we reserve the right to calculate the average assessable earnings over a different period if we deem it more appropriate.

I would write to the FIS office and ask for a reference in writing to the new calculations.
Then I would write to your local TD, they have a contact with in FIS who they can call immediately and get an official answer.

cee_jay

coldcake wrote: »

Just received my renewal notice for my Family Income Support, I have had a substantial drop this year.

When I rang to ask why they said they are now calculating it differently at renewal, something about using my P60 as it is based on 52 weeks!

I have always submitted my P60 and pay advice slip. I suspect this is a reduction by stealth. Had anyone else been affected by this?

In essence they argued there has been no change to the rate, just a change in how they calculate the amount, which still leaves me a lot worse off.

I don't understand how this is a reduction by stealth. FIS is awarded for a year at the same rate throughout. Therefore together the most accurate picture of your earnings, your P60 would provide the best basis.
If your working hours/pay has changed since last year, then payslips would be used.

coldcake

Well my pay hasn't changed and I work the same hours every week. It seems that they have decided to change the way it is calculated.

The net result is after four years I now have the amount I receive reduced.

I think my next step is to appeal. Maybe this is unique to me, I do hope so and not a policy change in order to cut the amount they pay out

wmpdd3

Still doesn't sound right if they used the same way for calc for 3 years then changed it. Esp if you work the same hours very week, is there a Sunday premium pay / bonas / extra payment for bank holidays worked?