Service
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has ended following the reopening of workplaces.
PUP was open to you if you were an employee or self-employed and lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme closed to new applicants on 22 January 2022.
From 22 January 2022 the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment closed to new applicants. You can no longer apply for this payment.
You were eligible for this payment if you:
You also could qualify for this payment if you:
You could not qualify for this payment if you:
You also had to inform the department if your circumstances changed.
| Previous weekly earnings | Your payment from 8 March |
| €400 or more | €208 |
| Between €300 and €399.99 | €208 |
| Between €200 and €299.99 | €208 |
| Between €151.51 and €199.99 | €208 |
| Less than €151.50 | €150 |
Please note: if you received a PUP payment, the process of moving to standard jobseeker's terms began on 25 March. PUP was paid up to and including 29 March.
| Previous weekly earnings | Your payment from 8 March |
| €400 or more | €208 per week |
| Between €300 and €399.99 | €208 per week |
| Between €200 and €299.99 | Moved to standard jobseeker’s terms on 9 November 2021 |
| Less than €200 | Moved to standard jobseeker’s terms on 26 October 2021 |
Please note: if you received a PUP payment, the process of moving to standard jobseeker's terms began on 25 March. PUP was paid up to and including 29 March.
If you have received a payment for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and you were not entitled to it, you can refund the department in several different ways.
If you need information or further assistance, please contact: