The Department is aware that many people may be due arrears for the pandemic unemployment payment. However, the circumstances in each case are different. As a result, considerable work and resources will be needed to deal with each of these. That can only begin once the payment processing we’re currently engaged in takes less time and resources.
Unfortunately the current circumstances mean that it will be a number of months before the Department will be able to fully address the arrears issue.
The person concerned should contact their community welfare officer if they have a requirement for assistance.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.