Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
654. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis for the denial of the pandemic unemployment payment to those over 66 years of age that are self-employed and have lost their income as a consequence of Covid-19; the supports that may be available for those persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21686/21]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme payable to employees and self- employed persons who are aged between 18 and 66 years (pension age) who have lost employment as a result of Covid-19 and satisfy the scheme’s qualifying conditions.
The age range for entitlement to PUP is consistent with other social protection unemployment payments which are payable to people between the ages of 18 to 66.
People aged 66 years and over are provided for through the social insurance based State Pension (contributory) or the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory).
Where an individual does not have the required number of contributions to receive the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory), they may qualify for an increased rate of State pension (non-contributory), depending on their circumstances. Recipients of the non-contributory pension who also have employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose their employment income due to the pandemic or if their employment income is reduced.
People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to ancillary supports which include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance.
A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.
My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has provided for a range of supports for businesses to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
