Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
348. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will allow taxi drivers aged 66 and over to receive for the pandemic unemployment payment as part of the support package announced for the small public service vehicle Industry on 9 June 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32600/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme providing income support for those aged 18 to 66 years who lost employment due to consequences of the pandemic. The age condition for the scheme is aligned with that under the Jobseekers supports and there are no plans to amend this condition.
People aged 66 years and over are provided for within the Social Protection framework through the State Pension – either the contributory pension based on PRSI contributions, or the non-contributory means-tested pension.
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.
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.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme administered by the Community Welfare Service is also available to any person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship. Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments may be made subject to satisfying the means test.
The income supports provided by my Department are not sector specific. On 9th June 2021 the Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan TD announced a new €6.5 million support package for the Small Public Service Vehicle Industry (SPSV).
I trust that this clarifies the position for you.
