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Changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)

PSC Accountants & AdvisorsCovid Changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)

Changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)

The PUP will be phased out as part of a €3.5 billion Covid-19 stimulus plan unveiled by the Government earlier this week.

 

The PUP will be extended beyond 30 June for existing claimants “in recognition that opportunities to return to work will remain impacted, in some sectors, by public health restrictions in the short term”, the Government’s plan notes.

 

However, it was confirmed that “given current progress in delivering vaccines and re-opening the economy, it is planned to close the scheme to new applicants from 1 July”.

 

The current weekly rates of support will be gradually reduced over three phases by €50 increments.  For example, the top-tier payment will be reduced to €300 from 14 September “provided progress on re-opening continues”. Two further phases of changes will take place over the following months – the payment will reduce to €250 on 16 November and be abolished on 8 February.

 

The current weekly rates of support will be gradually reduced over three phases by €50 increments. The first phase of rate changes will apply from 7 September, provided progress on reopening continues. Two further phases of changes will take place over the following months, on 16 November and 8 February, if progress continues as expected.

 

PUP claims for students will be extended until the start of the 2021/2022 college year (with the final payment on 7 September).