The festive season could see thousands of people across Ireland contract Covid-19 and be forced to isolate.
This means many who would otherwise ordinarily be working over Christmas and into the New Year will now be required to stay at home.
The Department of Social Protection is reminding people that a social welfare payment is available for anyone who is diagnosed with Covid-19 or told to self-isolate.
Thousands of people have already availed of the Enhanced Illness Benefit which is paid at a rate of €350 per week.
In the past week, 3,501 people have applied for the social welfare payment, with the overall number now standing at 8,237.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys issued a reminder to the public about the benefit on Thursday as the surge in coronavirus cases continues.
“I’m conscious that this Christmas will once again be extremely difficult for people – particularly for those who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19," she said.
“I’m thinking especially about workers in the night-time economy and hospitality, as well as those in the entertainment industry who have been severely impacted.
“That’s why I felt it was so important to re-open the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, so that we can continue to support our workers who have been affected.
Share your views on the Christmas restrictions below, or click here.
“I also want to send a strong message out today in relation to the Enhanced Illness Benefit.
“As a result of changes I introduced, this support is paid from Day One of somebody being ill or having to self-isolate due to Covid-19.
“I’m urging people, who test positive or are told to self-isolate, to apply via MyWelfare.ie and this support will be made available.”
Latest figures show that 57,603 people received the PUP this week, an increase of almost 2,3000 compared to the previous week.
Minister Humphreys recently announced that the PUP is open to new entrants who lose their jobs due to the current restrictions.
She said: "The total value of payments issued under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has this week passed €9 Billion. The scale of the support provided under the PUP is unprecedented in the history of the State. However, it was and remains the right thing to do to support our citizens.
“The PUP is open for applications for workers impacted by restrictions, including the self-employed, and the quickest and easiest way to apply is at MyWelfare.ie.”
There are five weekly rates of PUP payable for these workers who lose their job as a result of the latest restrictions from December 7.
The rate of payment is determined by the person’s weekly earnings, namely €350, €300, €250, €203 and €150.
