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Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (859)

Brendan Smith

Question:

859. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has given further consideration to the provision of a Covid-19 payment to persons who are on a reduced State pension (contributory) that have lost employment income due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12608/20]

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Written answers

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to people age between 18 and up to 66 years, and is consistent with other jobseeker and social protection income supports paid to working age persons. People aged 66 years and over are provided for within the Social Protection income support framework through the State Pension, either the contributory State pension based on PRSI contributions or the non-contributory means tested pension.

A person in receipt of the State contributory pension can retain all of their State pension as well as their employment income and retain that pension payment if they lose employment income, thus guaranteeing an income support. If a person is not in receipt of the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory, they may be eligible for an increased weekly rate of payment on the State non-contributory means tested pension depending on their circumstances.

People aged over 66 may also be entitled to a range of ancillary supports that are aligned to the particular circumstances of older people and are significantly more valuable than those generally available to the working age. These include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package (gas/electricity) and living alone allowance.

A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship can access assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments where the need is demonstrated.

I trust this clarifies the position at this time.

Questions Nos. 860 and 861 answered with Question No. 791.
Questions Nos. 862 and 863 answered with Question No. 790.
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