Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
540. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the appropriate payment and level of payment in the case of a person (details supplied); if all arrears due can issue; the date from which they will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25373/20]
View answerIn the case where a person has had a reduction in their days of employment, the Department has clarified that, subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual Jobseeker’s payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has been awarded a casual Jobseeker’s Benefit payment with effect from 01/09/2020 and received his first payment on 22/09/2020.
Decisions around entitlement to social welfare claims for periods prior to the introduction of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme on 01/09/2020 will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and the Department will notify the person concerned of the outcome of its decision. Arrears due, if any, will be considered in the context of each individual claim.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial hardship he may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments through the Community Welfare Service in Maynooth. This service can be contacted by phone at (01) 6016360 or by email cwscelbridgekilcock@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
