Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
533. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who have more than one job and lose one of their sources of income as a result of Covid-19 can be eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment; the supports available to persons in this situation who have seen their income drop sharply but remain in some part-time employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the statutory scheme which, in the case of an employee, includes that they are not in engaged in insurable employment. Accordingly, an employee who remains in part-time insurable employment is not eligible for PUP.
Where an employee is in part-time employment they may qualify for the social insurance contribution based jobseeker’s benefit scheme or the means tested jobseeker's allowance scheme subject to meeting the scheme statutory conditions. In order to qualify for this support, a person must be unemployed for 4 out of 7 consecutive days. The maximum personal rate of payment is €203 and increased allowances are paid for qualifying adults and children.
The means tested Supplementary Allowance Scheme, including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments, is also available to any person who is in need of financial assistance.
I would advise the Deputy that a person in these circumstances should contact their Intreo Centre for advice.
