Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
The July Jobs Stimulus saw the PUP extended until April 2021, with support gradually aligned with existing social welfare rates on a phased basis.
The Government has now decided that the PUP will remain open to new entrants until year end-2020 given the need to continue supporting people through the next phase of the pandemic.
Arrangements to waive the 3 day waiting period for Jobseekers Allowance and Benefit will also be extended until the end of 2020.
Redundancy Payments Act Suspension
The emergency suspension of section 12 of the Redundancy Payments Act which allows employees to claim redundancy payment in respect of lay-off or short-time, is extended until the end of November 2020.
COVID Illness Benefit
The COVID Illness Benefit was introduced for employees that have to self-isolate or are diagnosed with COVID-19. The six day wait period before receiving illness benefit was also removed. The COVID Illness Benefit will remain in place until the end of March 2021.