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COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
From Department of Social Protection
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From Department of Social Protection
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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.
Records are examined to see if you didn't get a payment for a week you were eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. If you didn't get paid for a week when you were meant to - then you are entitled to what is called an 'arrears payment'.
Any arrears will be paid to you at a future date.
If you have received a payment for COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and you were not entitled to it, you can find more information on how to refund the department here.
If you need information or further assistance, please contact:
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