Robert Troy
Ceist:680. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 payment (details supplied). [21439/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 September 2020
Ceisteanna (680)
Freagraí scríofa
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is payable to qualifying persons between the ages of 18 to 66 which is consistent with Jobseeker's schemes and other social welfare supports for the working age population.
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 or the non-contributory pension, which is means tested.
A person in receipt of the State contributory pension can retain all of their 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.
Recipients of 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 their employment income 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 aged between 66 and 79 years.
Individuals aged 66 and over may also be entitled to a range of ancillary supports aligned to their particular circumstances which are significantly more valuable than those generally available to people of working age such as free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity.
A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.