Robert Troy
Ceist:146. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pandemic unemployment payment. [2013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 January 2021
Ceisteanna (146)
Freagraí scríofa
Apprenticeships are divided into on and off the job phases. Apprentices who are in a phase of off-the-job training will continue to receive their training allowance from the State. There will be no loss of income for these apprentices.
Apprentices who were in the on-the-job phase with their employer and who have subsequently lost their employment as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic would be eligible to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment provided that they satisfy the conditions of the statutory scheme. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is payable to people between the ages of 18 and 66 which is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment.
A person under 18 years of age who has lost their employment and is living in the family home is treated as a dependent in relation to any social welfare payment payable to a parent.
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. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.
It is also important to note that an employer who is availing of the Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme can claim the subsidy in respect of all PAYE workers on their payroll including people aged under 18.
I hope that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.