I 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.