Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is an emergency payment introduced by the Government intended to compensate those workers whose employers cannot retain them on their payroll. The payment will also be made to people who are self-employed but whose trade has temporarily ceased.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is continuing until April 2021.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be in place until April 2021. Payment rates will change on the 17 September 2020, 1 February 2021 and on 1 April 2021.
Rate Changes from 17 September 2020
From 17 September 2020 until 31 January the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be paid at 3 rates.
The rate you receive will depend on the amount you used to get paid:
- if you earned less than €200 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €203 per week
- if you earned between €200 and €300 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €250 per week
- if you earned over €300 per week - you will receive €300 per week
- the Qualified Adult rate for those on Jobseeker's will now be reduced to its normal level of €134.70
Rate Changes from 1 February 2021
From 1 February until 28 February 2021 the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be paid at 2 rates.
The rate you receive will depend on the amount you used to get paid:
- if you earned less than €200 the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €203 per week
- if you earned between €200 and €300 per week - the rate of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be €203 per week
- if you earned over €300 per week - you will receive €250 per week
Rate Changes from 1 April 2021
If you are receiving a Pandemic Unemployment Payment you will need to apply for either Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance.
If you need information or further assistance please contact the DEASP Income Support Helpline below.
You are eligible to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment if
- You were in employment or self-employment immediately before Friday 13 March, and
- You have been temporarily laid-off from work or asked to stay at home from work, and
- Your employer is not in a position to retain you on their payroll, and
- You are not in receipt of any employment income and
- Are between 18 and 66 years of age and
- You worked in the Republic of Ireland and
- You are currently living in the Republic of Ireland or
- you are living in Direct Provision and have lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
- You must be genuinely seeking work
You're NOT eligible to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment if
- You were not in employment immediately before Friday 13 March, or
- You were not laid-off from work by your employer, or
- You are continuing to receive income from your employment, or
- You voluntarily left your employment
Do not claim the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if your employer has not laid you off or if you were not previously in employment or if you are still in receipt of employment income, or if your employer takes you back onto their payroll.
If you think you inadvertently applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, or if your employer has re-employed you under the new Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, you must close your Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment claim now.
The Department will review all claims. It is engaging with Revenue Commissioners to identify those workers not eligible to avail of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and will take steps to recover any incorrect payment. Any person who knowingly claims the payment in circumstances where they are not entitled to the payment will be prosecuted.
The co-operation of the public in ensuring that only correct claims are submitted is greatly appreciated. This ensures that we can process claims for people who really need the support as quickly as possible.