Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
508. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, claimants who have turned 66 years of age while in receipt of the payment and thus became ineligible to continue receiving the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6960/21]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is 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. In total, since the payment began, 1,785 people were in receipt of PUP until the week of their 66th birthday.
It is important to note that people aged 66 years and over are provided for through the State Pension (contributory) or the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory). If a person does not qualify for the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory) they may qualify for an increased rate of State Pension (non-contributory), depending on their circumstances. People receiving the State Pension (non-contributory) may have the pension payment increased if their income has fallen.
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.
