The Department of Social Protection has reminded those that receive the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) that the rate will continue to be gradually reduced over the coming weeks.
These changes will start in September and continue on a six-month basis until February 2022.
The changes to the PUP are being done to align it with the standard job seekers payments.
In terms of finances and rates, the top three rates of PUP will reduce by €50 in September.
The maximum weekly rate of €350 will reduce to €300, the current rate of €300 will reduce to €250 and the current rate of €250 will reduce to €203.
The new payment rates will be reflected in payments received later in September.
In a statement, the Department of Social Protection has said: "People on the €203 PUP rate will transition to standard jobseekers terms. People who are receiving this rate of payment will be advised in the coming weeks on their options regarding standard Jobseekers’ payments i.e. Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. Payment of PUP will continue while jobseeker claims are being processed.
"Two further phases of rate changes are scheduled to take place from 16 th November 2021 and 8 th February 2022. As PUP recipients go on to the €203 rate in each phase, they will be transitioned to standard jobseeker terms."
Since July 8, PUP has been closed to new claimants but anyone who has lost their job since 8 July is being asked to apply for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance in the normal way.
In terms of the overall country, just over 149,000 people receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, which is the first time the PUP has fallen below 150,000 claimants.
The PUP figures published this week are in addition to the 184,213 people who were on the Live Register at the end of July.
