Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2020
149. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) aged over 66 who has had their employment impacted by Covid-19, had been making PRSI contributions while in employment and was also in receipt of a contributory widow’s pension is excluded from being eligible to apply for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42319/20]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme payable to people aged between 18 and 66 years of age. This is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment. It also reflects the fact that people aged 66 or over do not pay any social insurance contributions.
It would appear that the person concerned has paid PRSI contributions while over the age of 66. These are refundable. To apply for a refund, a person can apply online at:
https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/statements-and-refunds/prsi-refund/
This person’s employer should also adjust their returns to reflect this.
People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to a range of ancillary supports which include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may also access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
