image of form to obtain Emergency Social Welfare Payments

COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dear Readers!


We are now at #day5 since the announcement that schools, universities and childcare facilities are to be closed until March 29th! Since yesterday, also all pubs and bars are closed and mass is celebrated online. Grocery shops, chemists, some Take Aways and some hotels remain open, and people are encouraged to stay indoors and if you do venture out, to practise social distancing.

Closing pubs and bars means instant job losses for 50 000 people and the shock waves of a slowdown in business has resulted in the Irish Government launching Emergency Social Welfare Payments Covid-19.

Taking my information from the TD Ciaran Cannon who is regularly posting updates on Facebook, there were a couple of updates about the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment payment as there were questions if students qualified – so here is the final update as from 16/03 and a page on the Gov. website.

Who qualifies for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to all employees and the self-employed ( including students) who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much is the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

It will be paid for a period of 6 weeks at a flat rate payment of €203 per week for jobseekers. It is designed to quickly deliver a social welfare payment to the unemployed and provide income security during this 6-week period. If you are self-employed, please write “Self-Employed, details above” when asked for employer name and address.

This payment is also available to students ( full time and also part time students) who are working part time assist in their education, and have lost their part time job. They should also complete the same form.

Do NOT present yourself at an INTREO office

How do you apply to receive this Emergency Payment?

There are 2 steps, possibly 5, it will depend on your situation:

1.Apply for the COVID-19 Unemployment payment downloading this form.

2.Post it to FREEPOST PO BOX 12896 Dublin 1 – keep checking your bank account as payments may come earlier than normal. You are asked NOT to ring to get a status on your claim due to large amount of applications.

IF you are out of work due to COVID-19 for LONGER than 6 weeks then..

3.Apply for Jobseekers Benefit within 6 weeks to ensure you continue to receive a payment (if applicable) after the emergency payment has finished. Once this normal Jobseekers claim is subsequently received, the Department will process these claims and reconcile payments at that time. This will involve backdating increased payments for certain customers

4.You can apply for Jobseekers support through the online portal http://www.MyWelfare.ie, (you will need a Public Services Card); or if you don’t have a card

5.Phone 1890 800 024 or 01 2481398 and you be will be sent the relevant application form for the new payment.

Check out this page on the Gov.ie website with the “How to apply” and the relevant form to download and complete( remember the emergency payment can ONLY be applied for via the form)

Why not follow me on Facebook or if you live in the Burren Lowlands – please check out this post to find out what shops offer delivery/pick up services. Thank you for sharing with someone who is not on Facebook who is in need of this info!

Stay Safe!

 

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