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Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Ceisteanna (200)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

200. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider the circumstances of a self-employed person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27813/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been extended until 31st March 2021 which will provide support to those from sectors facing extended periods of closure.  I have also secured Government approval to keep the scheme open for new applications until the end of this year.

From 17 September the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is  being paid at three rates linked to a person's pre-COVID 19 employment earnings which makes the scheme more sustainable.  From 17th September individuals whose prior earnings were €300 or over per week receive a payment of €300 per week.  A rate of €250 applies to those who previously earned between €200 and €300; and the rate of €203 remains unchanged for those who had prior earnings of less than €200.  

The Department does not assess “drawings” for the purpose of determining a self-employed person’s pandemic unemployment rate payment.  For self-employed people the rate is calculated by reference to their reckonable income in either 2018 or 2019, whichever is the greater.  Details of reckonable income are supplied to the Department by the Revenue Commissioners. 

Any person who believes that their new payment rate does not accurately reflect their prior earnings can contact the Department to request a review and should forward all supporting documents, which will be matched with records from the Revenue Commissioners.

I also wish to draw your attention to the Enterprise Support Grant which is available to small business owners who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or jobseekers payment to reopen their businesses.  Further information and details on how to apply are available on www.Gov.ie.

I trust that this clarifies the position.

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