Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the benefits for which a person (details supplied) who is due to go on maternity leave in July 2020 and is at present on jobseeker's allowance can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6732/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is an emergency payment of €350 per week introduced by the Government for a 12 week period and intended to compensate those workers whose employers cannot retain them on their payroll. The payment is also being made to people who are self-employed but whose trade has temporarily ceased.
One of the eligibility requirements for the payment is that a person must have been in employment on or after 6 March 2020 and lost their employment due to COVID-19.
I am advised that the person in question made an application for PUP on 31 March 2020 indicating her last day of employment was 1 January 2020. She is therefore ineligible for the payment.
I am further advised that the person in question is not eligible for Maternity Benefit as she does not satisfy the PRSI contributions requirement.
The person in question is currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance from my Department. In the absence of any complications of pregnancy or other illness, a pregnant woman who is not entitled to Maternity Benefit satisfies the condition of being capable of work for the purpose of Jobseeker's Allowance.
Where a person of any age is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for financial support through the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme from my department.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
