Social welfare: The latest Government comments on when the PUP will be phased out

As Ireland reopens, more and more people will be returning to work.

This should hopefully result in a drop of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Pandemic (PUP).

However, some are concerned that the payment will just shut off when the economy re-starts.

There were rumours earlier this week that the PUP would be extended until September at the latest.

It was reported elsewhere that the cut being considered is going to be €50 a week.

But Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath responded to reporters in the past few days this was not the case.

"Government has not made any decision on specific rates beyond the end of June at this point.

"We have made clear that the supports will not come to an abrupt end, as we acknowledge that this would have a very serious negative impact. There are people for whom their job will not be available to them for a couple of months yet, at least."

It comes after Taoiseach Michael Martin confirmed earlier this month that the Government will unveil a new plan for pandemic support payments towards the end of May.

When asked if there was any end to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the Fianna Fail leader said there will be "no cliff edge", but there will be changes.

"We are going to, and have been formulating a national economic recovery plan, so there will be no cliff edge in terms of a sudden end to the variety of reports."

Mr Martin added: "There's a range of areas we're going to have to look at.

"A new approach and a new direction towards the end of May, in that period."

For those that are in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, do note that the PUP will be in place until 30 June 2021.

Payment rates changed on 29 June and 17 September and 16 October 2020.

From 16 October 2020 until 30 June 2021, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be paid at the four rates.

The rate people receive will depend on the amount they used to get paid:

• f you earned less than €200 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €203 per week
• if you earned between €200 and €299.99 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €250 per week
• if you earned between €300 and €399.99 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €300 per week
• if you earned €400 or more - you will receive €350