PUP open to people who lose their jobs due to new Covid-19 restrictions as overall cost passes €9billion

THE Pandemic Unemployment Payment is back open to new entrants who have or will lose their jobs due to the new Covid-19 restrictions.

And figures revealed by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys today show that the scheme has now surpassed €9billion.

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The Department this week issued payment to 57,603 people just this week, which is an increase of 2,267 from the previous week.

The figures are in addition to the 164,626 people who were on the Live Register at the end of November this year.

And Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys also reminds people that the Enhanced Illness Benefit of €350 weekly is available to those who have tested positive for Covid-19 or told to self-isolate.

She said today: “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.

“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.”

The Fine Gael TD added: “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.”

The PUP has reopened to workers who have been impacted by the recent restrictions since December 7.

There are a total of five weekly rates available to them, and the rate of payment is determined by the person’s weekly earnings, namely €350, €300, €250, €203 and €150.

APPLYING FOR PAYMENT

And the Department said that in order to align the PUP with the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and to better reflect the earnings of part-time workers, a new rate of €150 will be available to those who had previously earned less than €151.50 weekly.

While applicants should apply for the PUP online, they may be asked to attend an Intreo Centre in order to show evidence of their employment status.

The Department of Social Protection will also make sure that those who lose their jobs between December 17 and 23 and who are eligible for the payment will receive them next week.

And whose who lose their jobs from December 24 to 30 will be paid on January 4 along with all other PUP recipients.

The Department is also using Revenue data to verify employment status and earnings for all applications.

‘UNPRECEDENTED’ SUPPORT

Meanwhile, Minister Humphreys said that it’s important for those who are diagnosed with Covid-19 or is deemed a close contact stays at home and does not attend work.

She added: “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.”