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Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (724)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

724. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons over 66 years of age who apply for the Covid-19 payment may have their cases judged on their individual circumstances;the process of dealing with applications from persons over 66 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15012/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been introduced as an emergency measure so that payments can be made as quickly as possible to the large number of people who have become fully unemployed due to the pandemic. This emergency payment is payable to people between the ages of 18 up to 66 which is consistent with the other Social Protection jobseeker schemes. It is paid to people who, in most cases, have no other source of income.

People over 66 are eligible for and can apply for a State Pension. Those over 66 do not pay social insurance contributions and can, if in receipt of the State Contributory Pension retain all of their State pension as well as their employment income and retain that pension payment if they lose employment income. People in receipt of the non-contributory or means tested pension who are also in receipt of an employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose that employment income or if that employment income is reduced.

Recipients of State pension payments may, depending on their individual circumstances, have access to a range of other income supports not available to unemployed people – including the free fuel allowance, the living alone allowance, the household benefits package (gas./electricity), the telephone support allowance, free travel and the free TV licence.

Where a person is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for assistance through the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Queries in relation to eligibility should be made by phone to their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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