Joan Collins
Ceist:672. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding fortnightly social welfare payments. [21373/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 September 2020
Ceisteanna (672)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department introduced a series of measures to maintain social welfare payments while assisting with social distancing measures designed to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.
Fortnightly payments were introduced to minimise the need for people to attend and queue in banks or post offices to collect payments, so helping people restrict their movements to essential activities only. These were introduced on a ‘payment in advance’ basis so people did not have to wait two weeks for a payment.
Some welfare scheme payments have now reverted to a weekly payment pattern, including One-parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment, Illness Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit.
The Department’s view is guided by the public health guidelines. Those payments, including State Pensions, which are remaining on a fortnightly payment pattern, will continue to be reviewed by the Department in line with the best available health advice.