The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be ending in the next 12 months, it was confirmed this week.
The PUP will be extended in full for existing claimants beyond 30 June to 7 September.
It will close to new applicants from 1 July in recognition that, at that stage, there should be no new job lay-offs that are directly attributable to public health restrictions.
The current weekly rates of support will be gradually reduced over three phases by €50 increments. The first phase of rate changes will apply from 7 September provided progress on re-opening continues. Two further phases of changes will take place over the following months, on 16 November and 8 February, if progress continues as expected.
But what happens if you're on the PUP now but have failed to secure employment by the time the Government cuts it off?
The following social welfare payments are for people of working age only, between the ages of 18 and 66, and all information is available via Citizens Information.
If you've no work, or less work than before
This would arise in a situation where your employer may have closed their business and sent you home.
Your employer may be able to continue to pay you under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and if so, you do not need to apply for a social welfare payment. You cannot apply for EWSS yourself, it is administered by Revenue through your employer’s payroll.
The EWSS replaced the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme on 1 September 2020.
If you were getting a Working Family Payment, this will continue while you are being paid under the EWSS.
Jobseeker's Allowance and Benefit
If you have lost your job and have dependents, you may get a higher payment if you apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) or Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) instead of PUP. This is because PUP does not pay anything extra for dependents.
There is a list of specific criterion for this that can be found here.
Family payments
If you are a single parent, you may be entitled to One-Parent Family Payment.
It's also possible for some people to qualify for Working Family Payment if they have dependent children and their hours or pay have been reduced.
If you are pregnant and getting PUP or being paid through the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), you can still apply for Maternity Benefit, Parent's Benefit and Paternity Benefit.
Sick pay
If you are ill with Covid you can get a special form of enhanced Illness Benefit for Covid-19 absences.
You can claim this payment if:
- You are diagnosed with COVID-19 or
- You are suspected of having COVID-19 and have been told to self-isolate or restrict your movements by a doctor or the HSE.
If you can't work because you're looking after children
If you cannot go to work because you have to look after your children, your employer may be able to continue to pay you under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme..
For those that are struggling to pay their rent
If you are having difficulty paying rent, you may be able to claim:
- Rent Supplement or
- Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
