The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has simplified the application process for single-parent benefits by accepting joint affidavits as proof when court-issued maintenance orders are unavailable, officials announced.
The Welfare Benefits Management Service (YDEP) will now automatically process applications for families with pre-divorce incomes below €49,000 without requiring additional maintenance documentation if the information is already available through child benefit records.
“In cases where Family Court orders are delayed, YDEP will evaluate available evidence using the principle of proportionality to determine single-parent status”, a ministry spokesperson said.
For example, if divorce proceedings are pending, proof of exclusive use of family residence combined with either a maintenance order, custody documents, or joint affidavit will suffice to establish single-parent status.
The single-parent allowance supplements the standard child benefit to address the specific needs of parents living alone with dependent children.
Recent support measures include incorporating beneficiaries into the EAC’s Special Tariff 08 and a 5% increase in child benefits with full cost-of-living adjustments.
“The ministry remains committed to supporting single-parent families through comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening their position”, the spokesperson added.
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