Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
834. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the financial impact of old age pensioners unable to claim the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13110/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a time limited payment available to people age between 18 and up to 66 years, and the age range 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. A person may also be entitled to an increase in respect of a qualified adult, subject to the means of the qualified adult. The
maximum weekly rate of payment for a State Contributory pensioner in a two person household with an adult dependent who is over 66 years is €470.80, significantly higher than the temporary Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Persons in receipt of the non-contributory or means-tested pension who are also in receipt of an employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose that employment income or if that employment income is reduced. Similarly if a person aged over 66 who did not previously qualify for or make an application for a means-tested pension may qualify for a pension payment if their circumstances change – including if they lose any employment income or if that employment income is reduced. A person may be entitled to claim for an increase in respect of a qualified adult up to age 66 years depending on the specific circumstances. The maximum rate of payment for the non-contributory pension for a two person household is €393.60.
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 may access assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.
I trust this clarifies the position.
