Seán Sherlock
Question:14. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if dependents of pandemic unemployment payment applicants can be added to their claim. [39988/20]
View answerThursday, 3 December 2020
Questions (14)
Written answers
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment, or PUP as it is known, is payable at four different rates depending on an individual's prior earnings. It is payable at €203 per week which is the same rate as the maximum personal rate of jobseekers, at €250, €300 and €350. The maximum €350 rate is aligned with the two adult household rate payable on jobseekers schemes. As PUP is now a pay-related benefit there are no plans to introduce allowances for adult and child dependents for PUP. Where a person with dependents may be entitled to a higher rate of payment than that on PUP they are advised to claim for jobseekers benefit, which is based on a person's social insurance record, or the means tested jobseekers allowance. The weekly rate for an increase for a qualified adult is €134.70 and the current weekly rates for each qualified child is €36 if they are aged under 12 and €40 per week for each child over 12. I announced as part of Budget 2021 an increase to the child dependent rates for those under 12 years and those over to €38 and €45 respectively from January 2021. Any person who may be entitled to a higher rate of payment under Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance should contact their Intreo centre to assess their individual circumstances. I trust that this clarifies the position for you.