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Getting a welfare payment during the COVID-19 pandemic
From Department of Social Protection
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Last updated on
A number of income supports are available from the Department of Social Protection.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to employees and the self-employed who have lost their job on or after 13 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New applications for this payment will be accepted until 31 March 2021.
If you are self-employed you can earn up to €480 over 4 weeks click here for more details .
If you are returning to work and are currently receiving the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment , you must stop this payment on your first day back at work .
The simplest way to do this is online at MyWelfare.ie.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be in place until April 2021.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Rates
- COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment change to rates announced October 2020
- If you feel you should have received the higher rate of payment, you can request a review
If you are told to self-isolate / restrict movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or you are diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by a doctor, you can apply for Enhanced Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences
This is a payment of €350 per week. You can apply for this whether you are an employee or if you are self-employed.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme replaced the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme from the 1 September 2020.
Both schemes were in payment from 31 July 2020 until the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme ended on 31 August 2020. This allowed employers more flexibility with new hires and seasonal workers who did not qualify for the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
It is expected to continue until 31 March 2021.
Employers have to sign up to the scheme through Revenue .
If you are temporarily placed on a shorter working week, for example, your working week has been reduced from a 5 day work pattern to a 3 day work pattern, you can receive support under Short Time Work Support under the Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme for the other 2 days. Short-Time Work must be systematic and must show a clear repetitive pattern of employment and you must work at least 1 day in each week.
If you are self-employed there are many supports available to you from the department.
