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Support for employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
A number of income supports are available from the Department of Social Protection.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was available to employees and the self-employed who lost their job on or after 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New applications for this payment closed on 8 July 2021.
As part of the Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be extended for those in receipt of the payment on 8 July 2021.
If you are self-employed you can earn up to €960 over 8 weeks. Learn more.
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.
If you are told to self-isolate or restrict your 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 you are self-employed.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme replaced the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme from 1 September 2020.
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 for the other 2 days.
If you are self-employed - there are many supports available to you.
