Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
167. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34181/20]
View answerThe Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to people who lost their employment on or after 13 March 2020 as a direct consequence of Covid-19.
Where a person was 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.
In the correspondence raised by the Deputy, the individuals were not in employment during 2020 and their entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit has exhausted. The individuals concerned are advised to make an application for Jobseekers Allowance. There are no plans to provide for an extension of the period for which Jobseekers Benefit is payable in these circumstances.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
