Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
847. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who comes off the pandemic unemployment payment for short-term seasonal work should reapply for the pandemic unemployment payment or the jobseeker's allowance when the seasonal work comes to an end. [32480/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra884. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will be backdated for those cut on 17 September 2020; if the payment will be cut again from 1 December 2020 and cut further in January 2021, as planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32886/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 847 and 884 together.
If a person's seasonal work comes to an end as a consequence of normal seasonal factors, the person should make a claim for jobseekers benefit or jobseeker's allowance.
To be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment Scheme a person should satisfy all of the qualifying conditions which include that an employee must have lost their employment as a direct consequence of the pandemic. This scheme remains available to new applicants until the end of 2020.
Following the move to level 5 restrictions the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is being paid at 4 rates with effect from 16th October; €203, €250, €300 and €350. A new rate of €350 has been introduced where a person had prior earnings of €400 or more. This change is effective from 16 October and is not being applied retrospectively.
The payment of PUP will be kept under review in light of the evolving public health crisis.
I trust that this clarifies the matter at this time.
