Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
738. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons returning to work from short career breaks are entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22171/20]
View answerThe COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. To be eligible for this payment a person must have been in employment /self-employment immediately prior to 13th March 2020 and have become fully unemployed or suffered a collapse of income if they are self -employed, due to the downturn in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and are not being paid by their employer.
If a person was not in employment immediately prior to 13 March 2020 they are not eligible to receive the COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. It is the case that a date had to be selected and the date chosen was the date that the first of the essential Public Health restrictions were introduced.
Where a person is not eligible to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment they may apply for a jobseekers payment. The Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme provides a social insurance contribution-based support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. It is paid for 9 months (234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid and for 6 months (156 days) for people who have less than 260 paid. Where a person does not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit or has used up their entitlement to it they may apply for the means tested Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.
