Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2020
94. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection the current position regarding self-employed persons such as taxi drivers working and claiming the pandemic unemployment payment; the changes announced in budget 2021 in respect of this situation; when these new provisions will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34131/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 provides measures for the self-employed so that they can engage in limited self-employment and retain income support.
The Budget provided that recipients engaging in self-employment can earn up to €480 over a rolling four week period and continue to maintain entitlement to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The €480 limit is based on gross income, before tax and PRSI, minus expenses. This measure is already in place.
Where a self-employed person exceeds this threshold and works up to 24 hours per week they may be eligible for support under the Part Time Job Incentive scheme which, as part of Budget 2021, has been extended to the self-employed who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The weekly rate of payment for a person transferring from the Pandemic Unemployment payment is €128.60.
It should be noted that a person also has the option of applying for means tested jobseeker's allowance where they are engaged in regular employment depending on their individual circumstances. The maximum weekly personal rate is €203 and increases may be paid for qualifying adults and children.
A self-employed person may also be eligible for support under my Department’s COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant which provides support of up to €1,000 with business re-start costs where a person transitions from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment back into employment. Further information on these supports are available on www.gov.ie
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
