Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
850. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the rules in place for returning emigrants who sign on for a jobseeker's payment currently; if payment is withheld for two weeks; if so, the basis for this; when this measure was introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32506/20]
View answerAny customer who is unemployed may make a claim for a Jobseekers Payment whether it be Jobseeker's Benefit (subject to them having a having a record of sufficient paid or credited contributions in the relevant period) or Jobseeker's Allowance (which is subject to a means assessment and may be payable if the customer has not sufficient contributions paid or credited). A customer making a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance must also satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.
It is also a condition for payment of Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance that the customer must be available for work and genuinely seeking work and a Deciding Officer is obliged to take due regard of any reasonable steps taken by a customer to meet these conditions including allowing for the current restrictions in place due to the pandemic. The Deciding Officer must also take into consideration a person’s family circumstances where they are seeking employment.
Anyone applying for a Jobseeker payment in the current circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and who does not place unreasonable restrictions on their availability while seeking work will be taken to satisfy the availability and genuinely seeking work conditions. This includes returned emigrants.
Where a person is dissatisfied with the decision on their claim they can ask for a review and/or appeal the decision to the Chief Appeals Officer within 21 days.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
