My Department, in line with the overall Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, moved swiftly at the outset of the pandemic to put in place enhanced and new supports for existing customers and new customers who, as a result of COVID-19, are working reduced hours or who have lost their employment entirely – even if on a temporary basis. A decision was taken in March to allow for the payment of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) concurrently with key supports for low income and lone parent families including the Working Family Payment.
Working Family Payment is an in-work support which, once awarded, is payable for fifty-two weeks from date of award, this has not changed. If a customer does not meet the hours requirement due to a reduction in hours worked as a result of COVID-19 they may notify the Department and request a review of their entitlement. Confirmation from their employer, that the reduction in hours is as a result of COVID-19 is required.
My officials have analysed the instances of disallowances both pre and post COVID and there has been no increase in the number of claims being disallowed since the onset of the COVD-19 pandemic.
