Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 February 2021
176. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a worker on a banded-hours contract whose contract is formally such that he or she would earn less than €151 per week is automatically excluded from the pandemic unemployment payment; if employees in a situation in which employees may routinely have exceeded the €151 per week payment prior to the pandemic will be included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7763/21]
View answer177. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if an employee who is excluded from the pandemic unemployment payment by virtue of earning less than €151 per week but who is receiving less than his or her normal payment from his or her employer as a top-up can access supports from her Department or has an entitlement to seek jobseeker or other payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7764/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme which is available to support those who have lost their employment due to the pandemic and where they were not being paid by their employer.
In cases where a person's working hours have been reduced employees may claim part-time jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment where they are not being remunerated.
To qualify for a jobseeker’s payment a person must be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7 consecutive days. Jobseekers Benefit is available to people who have sufficient social insurance contributions paid and satisfy the other qualifying conditions of the scheme. Where a person does not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit they may be eligible for the means tested Jobseekers Allowance scheme.
Assistance may be available under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance depending on an individuals circumstances.
I would advise that the individual(s) involved contact their local Intreo Centre for advice.
I hope that this clarifies the position for you.
