Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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538. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the payment available and appropriate in the case of a person (details supplied); if they have an entitlement to a Covid-19-related payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25368/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned has been participating in a Tús employment programme since 18/11/2019. He is in receipt of the maximum personal payment rate of €203 plus an additional allowance of €22.50 in line with current Tús guidelines. His total weekly payment is €225.50.

The person concerned does not currently have an entitlement to a Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).

Information regarding PUP eligibility can be found on .

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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539. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the appropriate payment and level of payment in respect of jobseeker’s or disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25371/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned submitted an application for a Disability Allowance on 13/06/2018. The application, based upon the evidence submitted was refused on medical grounds and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 07/08/2018.

A further application was received from the person concerned on 18/10/19 and this was also refused on medical grounds. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 08/01/2020 and was afforded the option to submit further medical evidence in support of her application for review. She was also advised of her right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. To-date no request for a review or an appeal has been received from the person concerned.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment at the maximum weekly personal rate of €203 plus an increase of €40 in respect of a qualified child. Her weekly rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance is €243.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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540. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the appropriate payment and level of payment in the case of a person (details supplied); if all arrears due can issue; the date from which they will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25373/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In the case where a person has had a reduction in their days of employment, the Department has clarified that, subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual Jobseeker’s payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has been awarded a casual Jobseeker’s Benefit payment with effect from 01/09/2020 and received his first payment on 22/09/2020.

Decisions around entitlement to social welfare claims for periods prior to the introduction of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme on 01/09/2020 will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and the Department will notify the person concerned of the outcome of its decision. Arrears due, if any, will be considered in the context of each individual claim.

If the person concerned is experiencing financial hardship he may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments through the Community Welfare Service in Maynooth. This service can be contacted by phone at (01) 6016360 or by email cwscelbridgekilcock@welfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter.