Phone line for COVID-19 Payment Queries

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have opened a dedicated phone line for COVID-19 payment queries - starting on the 17th of March, from 9am to 5pm.

Call: 01-2481398 / 1890-800-024

A dedicated Help Line set up for businesses around COVID-19 has also been set up.

Call: +353 1 631 2002

We got through and asked some of the questions that you have put in the comments section - so here's the replies;

QUESTIONS

STUDENTS - I’m a Student working part time to pay my rent so I can attend College. If I don’t pay my rent I will lose my accommodation. What can I do?

You should just apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment. 

STUDENTS - I’m a foreign Student working part time (20 Hours) I pay PRSI and Tax etc. Can I apply?

You should just apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, again the operator did not know how much exactly you will get, but thought that you may receive the full payment.  In the meantime they also suggested that you could contact your embassy in Ireland to see if they can offer you any assistance or advice at this time.

CHILDCARE ISSUES - I cannot attend work due to childcare issues / creche closures. My workplace is still open but I just cannot attend, so I have taken unpaid leave – can I apply for support?

The advice was that you should apply anyway for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

STUCK ABROAD - I’m stuck in another country due to flight cancelations and can’t attend work, my employers said that they cannot pay me for the days I'm missing? Can I apply for support?

They suggested that you contact your embassy in the Country where you are to see if they can help you to get home asap.

PART TIME WORKER - I work part-time in a hairdressers and have already sent in my paperwork for 3 days off. My employer has closed the salon indefinitely. How can I amend the situation?

They said you should send in the 'x and o’s' and don’t put dates on it.

PART TIME WORKER - I can’t get my employer to sign my Weekly form for social welfare as the business is closed – what can I do?

They said you should send in the 'x and o’s' and don’t put dates on it. (hope you know what that is - but sure if you do Weekly Forms you will know.

Main thing the person on the phone said is - if people are stuck for money due to the impact of COVID and lay offs, short time etc., don't go hungry, apply - even if you are in doubt. They will review your application. The form is easy - just put your details on it and send it back FREEPOST.

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection:

• Employees and Self Employed: How to apply for Jobseeker's Payment? COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment - Emergency Payment for Employees and the Self Employed - is now available. Apply here.

• Unable to collect social welfare payments? An Post will allow you to nominate someone to collect your welfare payment. Get all the details here.

• Has your work week been cut short? Short-time Work Support Payment is now available. Details here.

• Workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 - How to apply for illness benefit?

• Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 restrictions here.

• Have you been Laid-off or made redundant? Everything you need to know here.

• Workers whose employers do not supplement the State Illness Benefit payment

• Have you been requested to stay at home by your employer due to COVID-19? Here's what you need to know.

• Help for workers who are laid off temporarily or put on to short time working

• Workers who need to take time off to care for person affected by COVID-19

• Support for your business: Learn about all of the Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses here.

Wishing you all health and happiness.

COVID-19: Get all of the latest updates for Employees and Employers here.