Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
725. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for the pandemic unemployment payment from persons over 66 years of age; the number of Covid-19 payments made to persons over 66 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15013/20]
View answerI am advised that 4,849 people aged 66 or older have submitted an application for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to people aged 18 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 may not avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, but are provided for within the Social Protection income support framework through the State Pension, either the State Pension Contributory or the State Pension Non-Contributory.
Persons in receipt of the means-tested State Pension Non-Contributory 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 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 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.
