Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2021
148. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rules relating to requalify for jobseeker’s benefit and short-time payments will be suspended for workers, such as those at a company (details supplied), can have access to this support. [26733/21]
View answer149. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to extending short-time work support jobseeker’s benefit for those that are currently in receipt of this payment and are due to be taken off the scheme given the fact that many that are in receipt of this payment work in industries which cannot return to full-time work due to ongoing public health guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26741/21]
View answer150. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports in place for persons that work in industries in which they have been placed on significantly reduced wages and working hours as a result of Covid-19 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26742/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.
The Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance schemes provides income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find full time employment. These statutory schemes allow individuals to work up to 3 days a week and still retain access to a reduced Jobseeker’s payment.
Jobseeker's Benefit is paid for up to 9 months (or 234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid. It is paid for up to 6 months (or 156 days) for people with fewer than 260 PRSI contributions paid.
It is a fundamental feature of a range of the Department's benefit payments, including Jobseekers Benefit, that the payment is time limited. Time limits apply across a range of PRSI related schemes such as maternity benefit and illness benefit.
Where a person exhausts their entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit, they may be eligible for support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme. The Department will contact the Jobseekers recipient in advance of the expiry date of their claim to advise them that their entitlement is due to expire and that they should make an application for Jobseekers Allowance. They will also be provided with an application form for Jobseekers Allowance.
Jobseekers Allowance has no duration limit as long as a person meets the qualifying scheme conditions including the means test.
It should be noted also that employers may avail of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme operated by Revenue for employers to support job retention. The scheme provides a subsidy to qualifying employers who keep staff on the payroll. Employees who are on the scheme who are temporarily on reduced hours may be entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Short time Work Support for days they are not remunerated.
The wide ranging nature of the assistance available to those impacted by Covid -19 constitutes a comprehensive suite of supports. On that basis I believe there are sufficient supports available at this time.
