Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
167. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to provide supports to the workers aged 66 years of age and over that were not entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17607/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to people aged between 18 and 66 years, and the age range is consistent with other jobseeker and social protection income supports paid to people of working age. People aged 66 years and over are provided for within the Social Protection income support framework through the State Pension, either the contributory State pension based on PRSI contributions or the non-contributory means tested pension. The maximum weekly rate of payment for a person in receipt of the State Contributory pension in a two person household with an adult dependent who is over 66 years is €470.80. The maximum rate of payment for the non-contributory pension for a two person household is €393.60.
A person in receipt of the State contributory pension can retain all of their State pension as well as their employment income and retain that pension payment if they lose employment income, thus guaranteeing an income support. If a person is not in receipt of the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory, they may be eligible for an increased weekly rate of payment on the State non-contributory means tested pension, depending on their circumstances.
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 it is reduced. Similarly, if a person aged 66 or over who did not previously qualify for or make an application for a means-tested pension may qualify for a pension payment if their circumstances change – including if they lose any employment income or if that employment income is reduced.
People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to a range of ancillary supports that are aligned to the particular circumstances of older people and are significantly more valuable than those generally available to people of working age. These include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package (gas/electricity) and living alone allowance.
It should be noted also that employers may claim the temporary wage subsidy for all of their workers who pay Irish PAYE income tax from the Revenue Commissioners. In this way workers who are aged over 66 can continue, with the co-operation of their employers, to receive income from employment.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for other financial supports under the means-tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme including an Exceptional or Urgent Needs payment where the need is demonstrated. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie .
