Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

497. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a payment will be made to those over the age of 66 who are still working but are currently losing out on income to make up the difference between the old age pension and the pandemic unemployment payment. [23499/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is an emergency payment payable to people between the ages of 18 up to 66 which is consistent with the other Social Protection jobseeker schemes. It is paid to employees who are not working or self-employed who would be available to take up full-time employment.

People aged 66 years and over are provided for through the contributory State pension or the non-contributory State means tested pension. A person in receipt of the State contributory pension can retain their entire State pension and employment income. If a person does not have the required number of contributions to receive the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory they may qualify for an increased rate of State non-contributory pension, depending on their circumstances. A person may also receive an increase for a qualified adult, depending on their means. People receiving the non-contributory State pension who also have employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose their employment income due to the pandemic or it is reduced.

The rates payable on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is based on previous earnings or income. The maximum rate of €350 is being adjusted to €300 with effect from 17 September and a further rate of €250 is also being introduced. The equivalent rates for State Pension contributory are €470.80 for a couple and €248.30 personal rate. The non-contributory pension for a two person household is €393.60 and €237 for an individual between 66 and 79 years or €247 if they are aged 80 or over.

People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to ancillary supports which are significantly more valuable than those generally available to people of working age. These include free travel, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs, fuel allowance and living alone allowance.

Where a person of any age is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for assistance through the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Queries in relation to eligibility should be made by phone to the local Intreo Centre.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.