Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
473. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons over 66 years of age are not considered for the Covid-19 crisis payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39688/20]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a statutory support payable to people between the ages of 18 and 66 which is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment.
People aged 66 years and over are provided for through the contributory State pension or the non-contributory State means tested pension.
A person aged over 66 who is in employment may retain their State pension and employment income.
If a person does not have the required number of contributions to receive the maximum rate of State pension contributory they may qualify for an increased rate of State non-contributory pension, depending on their circumstances. People receiving the non-contributory State pension who also have employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose their employment income due to the pandemic or if their employment income is reduced.
People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to ancillary supports which include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance. The fuel allowance and living alone allowance were both increased in Budget 2021 to €28.00 and €19.00 per week respectively
A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
