How to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

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Employees laid off due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be able to claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, explains Sarah Daly.

 

These are difficult times for businesses and their employees. Many employers, particularly those who have had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be unable to maintain staff levels.

Recognising that employees who are laid off may be worried about how they will continue to meet their expenses, the Government has introduced an emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This payment of €350 per week is payable to employees who have lost their job or been temporarily laid off due to the pandemic.

A straightforward explanation of how the payment works, and who is eligible, is available at gov.ie. This should be the first port of call for any concerned employee.

 

What employers need to do regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

If you have had to lay off staff due to the current pandemic, you will need to run each employee’s final pay through payroll as normal and report to Revenue that the employment has ceased. Affected employees can then apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment either by submitting a paper form, or electronically through mywelfare.ie.

 

Application process for employees who have been laid off

The easiest way to apply for the the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is through mywelfare.ie. To set up an account, only your full name and email address are required.

When submitting your application, you will need to provide

  • Your employer’s company name, phone number, and address
  • Your PPS number
  • Your bank account details

It is very important to enter the required information accurately. According to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, some 6,600 applications received up to 30 March 2020 had invalid bank details (usually incorrect IBANs).

It is worth noting that you will not necessarily receive confirmation that your application has been successful prior to receiving your first payment. Payment will be automatically delivered to your nominated bank account on Tuesdays.

Employees with dependents should also apply for Jobseeker Benefit to avail of any extra payments they may be entitled to.

Nikki Johns, Payroll Manager

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