Government Benefits Megathread

Kilboor · 18-03-2020 3:42pm #1

Hi all, a family member of mine is in her 60s and currently working as a shop assistant in a pharmacy. She lives alone and pays rent of over 900 euro a month so barely gets by each month as is.

She's only out of hospital a few weeks back for a benign growth diagnosis but is now terrified of catching covid-19 and no longer wishes to work (after persuasion from myself to stop, she wanted to keep working at first and still asks that maybe she could come in in the evening).

What are her options and entitlements here?

Does this fall under the bracket of sickness pay ? She has already rang the doctor who more or less was telling her to look after herself is all, nothing about stopping working. Should she ring back and tell her she can't work given the cirucumstances?

cr-07 · 19-03-2020 12:18pm

Hello everyone,

My apologies if this has already been answered. Does anyone know if you leave your job due to fear of catching covid-19, do you still qualify for the welfare payments of €205 / €305? Or do you only qualify for it if you get the virus / self isolating / your employer closes down?

Reason asking is my father wants to take a break from his job until things blow over, as he doesn't want to to risk being in contact with anyone who may have it as he has to come home to my ill sister. He works in a job where he comes into contact with quite a few people from the public on a day to day basis.

He said this to his employer but the employer doesn't seem to care, so he is wondering if he walks out will he qualify for these payments.

Thanks for any info in advance!

mariaalice · 19-03-2020 12:21pm

cr-07 wrote: »

Hello everyone,

My apologies if this has already been answered. Does anyone know if you leave your job due to fear of catching covid-19, do you still qualify for the welfare payments of €205 / €305? Or do you only qualify for it if you get the virus / self isolating / your employer closes down?

Reason asking is my father wants to take a break from his job until things blow over, as he doesn't want to to risk being in contact with anyone who may have it as he has to come home to my ill sister. He works in a job where he comes into contact with quite a few people from the public on a day to day basis.

He said this to his employer but the employer doesn't seem to care, so he is wondering if he walks out will he qualify for these payments.

Thanks for any info in advance!

Could he not take annual leave?

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

Beasty · 19-03-2020 12:29pm

Thread merged:rolleyes:

Coolaboy · 21-03-2020 10:47am

Advice please. Three weeks ago after 4 years of receiving full time carer's allowance, I lost the carers allowance for my mother. My husband works full time and we went over the income allowance. Both my parents are over 80 and feeble.

We had home help coming in to them but now they wont come in. We have no one to help out. I have to look after 2 young children off school. Looks like my husband will have to take reduced hours. Is there anything social welfare I can apply for? Many thanks.

Beasty · 21-03-2020 10:16pm

Threads merged

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 5:21pm

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: (Government took the webpage down shortly after I posted this) (new link: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a6d8fa-government-announced-new-covid-19-income-support-scheme/)

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

beggars_bush · 24-03-2020 5:24pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/773fa3-what-to-do-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-if-youre-already-getting-/

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

if only you had got a job a few weeks ago!!

well, you're still here. so you must be doing ok

mariaalice · 24-03-2020 5:24pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/773fa3-what-to-do-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-if-youre-already-getting-/

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

Its good news its never going to please eveyone.

893bet · 24-03-2020 5:24pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

This i dont have a problem with.

We had full employment.

There was a job there if it was wanted.

rob316 · 24-03-2020 5:25pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/773fa3-what-to-do-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-if-youre-already-getting-/

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

Why would you expect to get more? You haven't experienced a loss of income suddenly.

Fann Linn · 24-03-2020 5:27pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/773fa3-what-to-do-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-if-youre-already-getting-/

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

No issue with that. Might upset a certain ethnic community however who no doubt will cry 'discrimination'.

easypazz · 24-03-2020 5:28pm

link not working

jaffa20 · 24-03-2020 5:30pm

Is the increase only for 6 weeks? I was laid off just a week before all this came here :mad:

No jobs at all available right now. Guess i'm stuck with 203euro though.

easypazz · 24-03-2020 5:34pm

jaffa20 wrote: »

Is the increase only for 6 weeks? I was laid off just a week before all this came here :mad: No jobs at all available right now. Guess i'm stuck with 203euro though.

Unlucky timing.

Plenty of jobs in supermarkets from what I have seen.

Look on the bright side, anybody on €350 a week probably won't bother looking for a job, so while there may be fewer jobs, there will be less competition.

Can people on the new €350 claim for adult and child dependents as normal?

Cliona2012 · 24-03-2020 5:36pm

How many weeks does the CVID payment last for? Is it til April 21st (6 weeks after announcement) or 6 weeks from date when first applied for? (Say if I apply on April 6th one would get the payment for the subsequent 6 weeks)

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 5:36pm

rob316 wrote: »

Why would you expect to get more? You haven't experienced a loss of income suddenly.

I did when I lost my job a couple a months ago, and because living on €203 is incredibly difficult and I have to rely on others to get by. And jobs aren't just there if you want one, I've been applying for jobs for months and not getting any calls back!

Another reason is you can't have 2 classes of citizens in the same situation but getting 2 different amounts based on when they lost their jobs.

rob316 · 24-03-2020 5:44pm

dublinbando wrote: »

I did when I lost my job a couple a months ago, and because living on €203 is incredibly difficult and I have to rely on others to get by. And jobs aren't just there if you want one, I've been applying for jobs for months and not getting any calls back!

Another reason is you can't have 2 classes of citizens in the same situation but getting 2 different amounts based on when they lost their jobs.

Sorry to hear and I understand your between a rock and hard place there but we can't give the "long term unemployed" a bump.

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 5:46pm

rob316 wrote: »

Sorry to hear and I understand your between a rock and hard place there but we can't give the "long term unemployed" a bump.

4 months is not long term.

rob316 · 24-03-2020 5:48pm

dublinbando wrote: »

4 months is not long term.

Not referring to you I'm talking about the won't work brigade.

titan18 · 24-03-2020 5:48pm

dublinbando wrote:

4 months is not long term.

How do you pay you then the 350 or whatever and not the people on the role for years. Has to be a cut off at some point

roper1664 · 24-03-2020 5:57pm

I think that this is wholly unfair.

Undoubtedly there are some "scroungers" who were unemployed before the announcement of the increased payment. That's not a new problem

However, there are also plenty of people who were engaging with the department of SP and actively job hunting and interviewing. Now, their chances of gaining employment during this scenario have been hit, due to Covid-19. The same as the people who have lost their job since the announcement of the 350e payment.

People, regardless of the date of their employment termination, are now in the same situation with regards to securing employment and income. Therefore, they should not be treated differently (with the exception of any individuals that the DSP Deciding Officers consider ineligible, due to history of "not being available for work").

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 24-03-2020 5:58pm

easypazz wrote: »

link not working

Neither is he

Fann Linn · 24-03-2020 6:00pm

What is the actual 'D Day' date for the difference in payments.

Mrs OBumble · 24-03-2020 6:00pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

They have all had the opportunity to claim for qualifying adults and dependents and housing assistance etc. PUP claimants don't get any of that.

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 6:01pm

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

Neither is he

The link went down shortly after I posted it.. And I was doing training part time while looking for work before the crisis. I was doing ECDL and MOS, I was and currently still planning to get onto a third level course in September. The increase is going to apply to people on the back to education allowance so why not normal jobseekers??

easypazz · 24-03-2020 6:01pm

roper1664 wrote: »

I think that this is wholly unfair.

Undoubtedly there are some "scroungers" who were unemployed before the announcement of the increased payment. That's not a new problem

However, there are also plenty of people who were engaging with the department of SP and actively job hunting and interviewing. Now, their chances of gaining employment during this scenario have been hit, due to Covid-19. The same as the people who have lost their job since the announcement of the 350e payment.

People, regardless of the date of their employment termination, are now in the same situation with regards to securing employment and income. Therefore, they should not be treated differently (with the exception of any individuals that the DSP Deciding Officers consider ineligible, due to history of "not being available for work").

How so?

Most people on this new payment may wait it out now and return to their old job.

Plenty of jobs are springing up because of this, less competition.

Also under the old scheme you could claim for spouse and dependants, so it would be over €350 a week anyway for a lot of people.

alarmcode · 24-03-2020 6:04pm

I left my job four weeks ago in Ireland to take up employment abroad. I literally just finished my second week and I've been let go with zero entitlements due to the virus.
I'm now back in Ireland tail between my legs. Am i entitled to the covid payment?

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 6:05pm

alarmcode wrote: »

I left my job four weeks ago in Ireland to take up employment abroad. I literally just finished my second week and I've been let go with zero entitlements due to the virus.
I'm now back in Ireland tail between my legs. Am i entitled to the covid payment?

Yes I would believe so mate

BanditLuke · 24-03-2020 6:05pm

Is this new payment for 6 or 12 weeks? I can't see my employer opening up until the summer at the very least.

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 6:08pm

BanditLuke wrote: »

Is this new payment for 6 or 12 weeks? I can't see my employer opening up until the summer at the very least.

It is currently available until 19th of April I believe, then they will most likely extend it further closer to that date depending on how the situation unfolds.

Fann Linn · 24-03-2020 6:10pm

What is the date which discriminates the op from the lad who was let go today?

hondar · 24-03-2020 6:10pm

BanditLuke wrote: »

Is this new payment for 6 or 12 weeks? I can't see my employer opening up until the summer at the very least.

12 week's

sondagefaux · 24-03-2020 6:16pm

dublinbando wrote: »

Leo Varadkar just announced that the covid unemployment payment will increase to 350 for the majority of social welfare payments, all of which are listed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/773fa3-what-to-do-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-if-youre-already-getting-/

Guess who isn't getting the increased payment? People who were fully unemployed before the crisis, who are still expected to be able to live on 203 per week.

If the expenses of people unemployed before the crisis have increased, they should be able to get €350 per week for the duration of the crisis.

Purple Mountain · 24-03-2020 6:17pm

The link isn't working.
Can I ask how this works with people already on reduced SW payment?
Say for someone already on JA, OPF, Family Dividend in a reduced rate and then their employment is cut.
How does it work for them?
A lot of them are on part time hours usually or low wages and get reduced SW support.
Also, did they say anything about keeping a PRSI stamp for the duration of this payment? That would be a big anomoly if not.

listermint · 24-03-2020 6:18pm

sondagefaux wrote: »

If the expenses of people unemployed before the crisis have increased, they should be able to get €350 per week for the duration of the crisis.

How would that have happened. The reality would be different

dublinbando · 24-03-2020 6:19pm

Purple Mountain wrote: »

The link isn't working.
Can I ask how this works with people already on reduced SW payment?
Say for someone already on JA, OPF, Family Dividend in a reduced rate and then their employment is cut.
How does it work for them?
A lot of them are on part time hours usually or low wages and get reduced SW support.
Also, did they say anything about keeping a PRSI stamp for the duration of this payment? That would be a big anomoly if not.

Here is a snippet from https://www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/

If you have lost your job and were receiving a partial Social Welfare Payment, such as Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance, you do not need to apply. Instead you should contact your local Intreo Centre by phone or email.

joujoujou · 24-03-2020 6:20pm

Link updated.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a6d8fa-government-announced-new-covid-19-income-support-scheme/

AdrianG08 · 24-03-2020 6:31pm

Very unfair.

Those on JSB should be able to avail of higher payment also in this instance. Those losing a job through no fault of their own in the last 3 months are suffering same financial hardship.

Everyones financial circumstances change when they lose a job, and those suffering due to Covid19 should not be getting more than someone who lost a job in Feb of this year for instance (and they have built up sufficient PRSI contributions).

You could have the following ridiculous scenario:

John is 1 month in to a 3 month contract working in a coffee shop (started on 1st March). He is let go 2 weeks later. John can claim €350 due to Covid19.

Sean has worked in a factory for 18 months and is let go in late february, he can only claim €203 (despite having built up the requisite PRSI contributions).

Beasty · 24-03-2020 6:39pm

Threads merged

johnmc2020 · 24-03-2020 6:40pm

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has any insight into the Covid payment for people who have lost part time work?

Say a person worked one or two days a week and earned €150 per week but were let go due to the shop they worked for being closed down due to the coronavirus - does this person now get €350 per week?? Doesn't seem to make much sense.

Any advice/insights would be appreciated!

24-03-2020 6:42pm

AdrianG08 wrote: »

John is 1 month in to a 3 month contract working in a coffee shop (started on 1st March). He is let go 2 weeks later. John can claim €350 due to Covid19.

Sean has worked in a factory for 18 months and is let go in late february, he can only claim €203 (despite having built up the requisite PRSI contributions).

John has been affected directly by Covid19. He is out of work because of the virus, however he still has a job to return to, once it passes.

Sean's employment ended due to reasons not related to Covid19. Therefore he has no reason to expect a Covid payment.

The begrudgery is strong on this one. Country was at full unemployment. A handful of people aren't entitled that probably, morally, should be. The majority complaining will be the dole heads who wouldn't get a job if you paid them to (literally). But can't stand the thought of others having a few euro more in their pockets, even though it's very fairly done.

24-03-2020 6:44pm

As an aside, from my own perspective, as a sole trader who is a photographer (with nothing to photograph now, obviously) the bump from €203 to €350 makes an enormous difference. I genuinely didn't anticipate it, and I presume we'll be looking at increased taxes when it's over, but for the short term, it's taken a huge amount of pressure off my back to repay loans and such.

Newlymarried · 24-03-2020 6:44pm

Hello my partner claims a reduced rate of disability allowance for me and our child as I work 20 hours per week

I also get 20 euro a week working family payment

I have been laid off now

Can I apply for the covid pandemic payment

splinter65 · 24-03-2020 6:46pm

Newlymarried wrote: »

Hello my partner claims a reduced rate of disability allowance for me and our child as I work 20 hours per week

I also get 20 euro a week working family payment

I have been laid off now

Can I apply for the covid pandemic payment

You sure can. She will lose whatever she’s getting for you which is probably not even €100 and you’ll get the emergency payment.

Newlymarried · 24-03-2020 6:47pm

splinter65 wrote: »

You sure can. She will lose whatever she’s getting for you which is probably not even €100 and you’ll get the emergency payment.

Thank you I was very unsure on this

Masala · 24-03-2020 6:47pm

Question..... if a company is keeping on staff (despite a major fall in normal revenue) on basis that it use the time for other internal projects (introduce new systems, on-line training etc) - can the company apply to get this grant.

OR.... has it to lay off the employees????

CurryFlavoured · 24-03-2020 6:50pm

I applied for the covid19 pandemic payment on mywelfare.ie as I was let go last week. When I applied, I got a notification telling me I had to apply for jobseekers as well, but I haven't heard of anyone else have to do this.

Anyone know what that's about?

recyclebin · 24-03-2020 6:50pm

Wait and see what the fine details are on gov.ie later.

I imagine there will be winners and losers in some cases like this.

threeball · 24-03-2020 6:53pm

I suggested back in the hours after Leo's first announcement that they offer those laid off €350 for the duration of the crisis. Glad to see it has happened even if only incrementally.

The essential jobs has been a bit of a fudge though. Construction are not essential jobs and very hard to implement the measures necessary. Most factory environments are easier to police and implement measures. These would need to be decided on that basis.

Hopefully there's a European stimulus package once this period ends.

AdrianG08 · 24-03-2020 6:54pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

John has been affected directly by Covid19. He is out of work because of the virus, however he still has a job to return to, once it passes.

Sean's employment ended due to reasons not related to Covid19. Therefore he has no reason to expect a Covid payment.

The begrudgery is strong on this one. Country was at full unemployment. A handful of people aren't entitled that probably, morally, should be. The majority complaining will be the dole heads who wouldn't get a job if you paid them to (literally). But can't stand the thought of others having a few euro more in their pockets, even though it's very fairly done.

Thats incorrect. The energency payment is distinct from the 70% payment that maintains the link with employer. John does not have a job to return to.

Rather than sniping back, do your research.

For what its worth, the 350euro payment to those still linked to their employer during temp layoff is a fantastic idea.

The emergency payment is separate, its for people who were let go, and there is no guaranteed link to employer. Whatever way you look at it, its unjust to those on JSB (distinct from JSA, but all people in receipt are scroungers in some peoples eyes). Its just a higher level of job seekers benefit in essence. They will all be in same dole queue with no job.

Government Benefits Megathread

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