Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020
52. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the analysis that has been undertaken of the consequences of the decision not to extend the pandemic unemployment payment to those over 66 years of age that lost employment as a result of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16304/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review the eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 payment (details supplied). [19250/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 216 together.
The age range for eligibility to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is consistent with other social welfare income supports paid to people of working age. People aged 66 years and over are provided for through the contributory State pension or the non-contributory State means tested pension.
A person in receipt of the State contributory pension can retain their entire State pension and employment income. If a person 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 non-contributory pension, depending on their circumstances. A person may also receive an increase for a qualified adult, depending on their means.
People receiving the non-contributory State pension who also have employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose their employment income due to the pandemic or it is reduced.
The rates payable on the pandemic unemployment payment based on previous earnings or income are €350, which is aligned to the maximum two person household rate for jobseekers, and €203 which is aligned to the personal rate. The equivalent rates for State Pension contributory are €470.80 for a couple and€248.30 personal rate. The non-contributory pension for a two person household is €393.60 and €237 for an individual between 66 and 79 years or €247 if they are aged 80 or over.
People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to ancillary supports which are significantly more valuable than those generally available to people of working age. These include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance.
A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
