The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has finally come to a close after two years of supporting thousands during Covid-19.
The payment was first introduced as the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 and was originally supposed to only open for six weeks.
Now that the final payments have been sent, all remaining recipients will be moved over to jobseekers' payments from Tuesday - only if they are deemed eligible.
According to citizens’ information, there are a number of support payments that will continue to help those in unemployment in Ireland.
There are also a number of benefits that will continue to be available to those who are eligible.
Jobseekers Benefit
If you were self-employed, you may be eligible for the Jobseeker’s Benefit.
This is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection to people who lose their self-employment.
To qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) you need:
- At least 156 weeks of Class S contributions or at least 104 weeks of paid Class A or H PRSI since first starting work
- 52 weeks of Class S contributions paid in the relevant tax year. The relevant tax year is the second-last complete tax year before the year in which your claim is made. So, for claims made in 2022, the relevant tax year is 2020.
- To get Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) you must stop all self-employment activity. However, you can work as an employee for up to 3 days each week and continue to get Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed).
If you don't qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance.
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Jobseeker's Allowance is a weekly payment from the DSP to jobseeker's.
To get a Jobseeker's Allowance you must be a resident living in Ireland and pass a means test.
If you are self-employed, you may still be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance depending on your earnings from your business.
You do not need to close your business or stop working as self-employed for you to get Jobseeker’s Allowance and you don't have to be unemployed for at least 4 out of 7 days, for Jobseeker's Benefit.
You will get Jobseeker’s Allowance if your income is below a certain level.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a basic weekly allowance for eligible people who have little or no income.
If your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, then a payment will be made to bring your income up to the appropriate rate.
You cannot get Supplementary Welfare Allowance if you are working more than 30 hours per week.
If you have claimed a jobseeker’s payment but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are awaiting payment.
Other Benefits
If your income is below a certain amount you could be eligible to get a medical card or a GP visit card.
You could also get help with paying your rent depending on your situation. If you are in local authority housing, you should contact your local authority and ask for a review of your rent because of the reduction in your income.
You may get help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children attending school.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme is available from June 1 to September 30 each year.
According to citizen's information "If you have an exceptional or urgent need, for example, you need help with a funeral bill, a range of discretionary payments are provided by the Department of Social Protection's representative in your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office."
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