Pandemic Unemployment Payment will remain open for new entrants until end March 2021

The change comes on the back of concerns from the retail and hospitality sector, that the closing date would act as a disincentive for workers to return to work in the run up to Christmas.

Commenting on the extension, Minister Humphreys said:

“By keeping the PUP scheme open to new applicants until March 31st 2021, we are providing certainty to employees who may be returning to work in the run-up to the Christmas period.

I have listened to the retail and hospitality sector and I know they have had concerns that closing PUP to new entrants on December 31st, as originally planned, would act as disincentive to take up work.

“Workers can be re-assured that if they have to re-apply for PUP in January, February or March, they will have an entitlement to the payment.

Also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s payments

Minister Humphreys also added:

“In line with keeping the PUP scheme open for applications, I am also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s payments. This will ensure that individuals who get temporary work between now and the end of March, and who lose their job can claim a jobseeker’s payment and receive their income support immediately.

“Workers can be re-assured that if they have to re-apply for PUP in January, February or March, they will have an entitlement to the payment.

“The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has proved to be an extremely effective tool in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19 and in cushioning hundreds of thousands individuals and families from sudden income shocks.

“This extension will help mitigate the risk that employees might think they would encounter were they to take up work in the lead-in to Christmas. It’s about giving employees some peace of mind.”

The extension of the closing date to 31st March will ensure workers can still access the PUP in January in the event that their employment ceases after Christmas. The closing date for new applications was originally 31st December.

To date, over €4.3 billion has been paid out under PUP to hundreds of thousands of people who lost their jobs as a result of the Pandemic.

The Minister added:

“The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has proved to be an extremely effective tool in responding to the economic impact of Covid-19 and in cushioning hundreds of thousands individuals and families from sudden income shocks.

“This extension will help mitigate the risk that employees might think they would encounter were they to take up work in the lead-in to Christmas. It’s about giving employees some peace of mind.”

Extension of the waiver on waiting days for jobseeker’s payments

Minister Humphreys also secured Government approval to extend the waiver on waiting days for Jobseeker payments until the end of March 2021.

Ordinarily, when a person makes an application for jobseeker’s benefit or allowance, payment is not made for the first three days of unemployment – these are called 'waiting days’. These waiting days will continue to be waived on applications for Jobseeker’s payments until the end of March 2021.

Minister Humphreys said:

“In line with keeping the PUP scheme open for applications, I am also extending the waiver on the waiting days for jobseeker’s payments. This will ensure that individuals who get temporary work between now and the end of March, and who lose their job can claim a jobseeker’s payment and receive their income support immediately.”

Source; Press Release published by the Department of Social Protection - 24 November 2020