Recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) will not have to move on to the Jobseeker's Benefit for another six weeks following the latest update by government.
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the plans had been deferred as she is "acutely aware that some sectors of the economy are re-opening slower than others".
She announced on Tuesday that no PUP claimants will be transitioned to a Jobseeker’s payment until after October 22.
It comes as the first cuts to the PUP took effect, with recipients set to notice changes to their payments from September 14.
From today, the top three rates of PUP will reduce by €50. 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.
Elsewhere, students will also receive their final payments under the scheme.
Students currently receiving the PUP who have advised the Department that they are or will be full-time students in the upcoming 2021/2022 academic year will receive their final payment today.
Minister Humphreys commended employers across the economy "for putting in place the necessary measures to ensure their staff and indeed customers are protected" as further restrictions are eased.
The next key steps in Ireland's exit from a final lockdown and the beginning of normality arrived on Monday when further rules were lifted.
The restrictions lifted on September 6 centred on organised indoor events and mass gatherings, live music, cinemas and theatres, weddings, and religious ceremonies.
The Minister said this week marked "another significant milestone in our country’s recovery from Covid-19 with the easing of further restrictions".
"I am acutely aware that some sectors of the economy are re-opening slower than others," she said.
"That’s why as Minister, I have deferred the transition of workers from the PUP to jobseeker’s benefit until after 22nd October.
"In practical terms, this will mean that any self-employed person on the €203 PUP rate will continue to be able to avail of €960 without being impacted.
"I know that this flexibility is something people in the entertainment industry have called for and I am happy as Minister to provide it.”
Just over 140,000 people received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, a fall of 3,468 on last week.
