COVID-19: Financial Support - COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

For other businesses, many are no longer receiving sustainable income and therefore cutbacks, closures and layoffs, both temporary and permanent, need to be made.

Though no fault of the employer, employees are now potentially left with no income and must rely on government assisted support. Below we talk through the emergency income support payment set up for both employees and the self-employed.

Disclaimer: Occupop is not a governing body or financial institution, this information has been collated from gov.ie, revenue.ie and various financial experts as at date of publication and is subject to change. Any information provided here is intended to inform rather than advise.

Support available for employees let go & the self-employed - COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment 

As of Tuesday, 24th March, 2020, a flat rate of €350 per week for the duration of the pandemic emergency is to be paid to any employee or self-employed individual who lost their job on (or after) the 13th March. 

This an updated amount from the original amount set at €203 per week. Should you have it will be automatically updated and there is no need to register again. 

Who qualifies for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?

To qualify for this payment you must meet the following criteria: 

• Are between 18 and 66 years old and
• A resident the Republic of Ireland and
• You are an employee and have lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or
• You are self-employed and have ceased trading due to the pandemic

These payments are also applicable to Non EU/EEC workers, students and part-time workers.

How do employees qualify for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?

If you meet the above criteria and fall under one of the below categories and are unable to work, you are eligible for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment: 

• lost your job
• been temporarily laid off
• asked to stay at home
• not getting any money from an employer

Considerations when applying for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

• These payments are made by electronic funds and are only into Irish financial institutions 
• Should you be in receipt of additional social welfare payments, such as; One-Parent Family Payment or Carers Payment, and you can demonstrate you have lost your job due to COVID-19, you are entitled to continue receiving these payments. 
• If you have one adult dependent, and one or more dependent children you should claim a Jobseeker's Payment instead of the COVID-19 Pandemic Payment. Weekly Jobseeker’s payments will be in excess of €350 should you have dependants. 

Further information on the payments mentioned above can be found here.

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How to apply for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment? 

There are various ways to apply for this temporary payment. It is important to note that you should not go to Intreo Centres as payments are not processed in these centres and they are currently closed to the public. 

Apply online: This can be done through mywelfare.ie. A MyGovID account (name and email address) is required to apply for this payment. When your account is set up, ensure that you check your PPSN number, date of birth and bank details. 

Apply via post: Access to the postal form can be found here. Please note that this process will take longer than applying online. 

How to stop a COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment?

This claim should be stopped immediately due to any of the below: 

• You are being paid by your employer
• Your employer is getting a payment with the COVID-19 Employer Refund Scheme or COVID-19 Wage Subsidy
• You have returned to your job or another job
• You did not lose your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• You are leaving Ireland

Payment can be stopped by accessing your mywelfare.ie or contacting the DEASP Income Support Helpline for COVID-19 on 01 2481 398.

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We will be posting up regular updates and information for businesses, employees and the self-employed in regard to the Coronavirus. Follow us on LinkedIn to ensure you don't miss out on these updates.

For advice on everything financial and COVID-19 related for businesses and employees, we recommend using the TaxAssist COVID-19 content hub. TaxAssist are a full service accountancy service that focus on helping SMEs.