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Jobseeker's Benefit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020

Wednesday, 21 October 2020

Questions (153, 163)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

153. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the time limits will be extended for jobseeker’s benefit payment for those who need it in view of the increased challenge faced by many to gain employment during this pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31867/20]

View answer

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

163. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the jobseeker’s allowance for those who need it in view of the unique challenges in finding employment during this pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32050/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 163 together.

The jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker's benefit schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. In the case of jobseeker's benefit entitlement a person must have sufficient PRSI contributions paid. If a person does not meet the contribution condition for jobseeker's benefit they may be eligible for means tested jobseeker's allowance.

Jobseeker's allowance is payable to an individual of working age for as long as they continue to meet the conditionality of the scheme. There is no time limit on the period for which it can be paid.

Jobseeker's benefit is a weekly payment to people of working age and 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.

The Social Welfare (Covid-19)(Amendment) Act 2019 provides that an employee in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or benefit who would otherwise have had an entitlement to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment shall be deemed to have made employment contributions for the period. These contributions can be considered in determining entitlement for any subsequent claim for jobseeker's benefit.

In the case where a person has exhausted their entitlement for jobseeker’s benefit and does not re-qualify for the benefit they may apply for support under the means tested jobseeker’s allowance scheme.

I trust that this clarifies the matter.

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