Government Benefits Megathread

morrga · 24-03-2020 11:13pm

Kewreeuss wrote: »

I still don't understand. what does the employer claim back then if he's paying me only for the days I'm working?

He claims back whatever he pays you up to 70% of salaries up to 38k.

jrosen · 24-03-2020 11:17pm

chooey wrote: »

I'm just wondering would anyone be able to answer my query. I've handed in my notice 8 weeks ago ( have to give 10 weeks notice). I am finishing up in my current role in two weeks time and am meant to be starting my new role at the beginning of May. My role is listed as an essential role and we have to work from a clinic so cannot work from home. If there is any delay in starting my new job, would I be able to claim benefits for the couple of weeks until I do start? I'm not sure if it will even be an issue but I just want to forward plan. Thanks for your help

I would doubt it. You gave up your job prior to any pandemic. You dont fit the criteria im afraid.

Heres Johnny · 24-03-2020 11:32pm

The_Brood wrote: »

So really I am in the worst position in all of this. I have to work, but all the work that I put in barely makes any more money than if I lost my job and was not working.

We will have to layoff some hard working employees next week temporarily. If a single one of the employees lucky enough to be kept on utters a word of the same rubbish you are coming out with, I will give them their wish and leave them go home and claim the 350. Instantly. And their job will go to one of the people that they were calling lucky.
And if it wasn't for the social distancing responsibility I'd be sending them to the intreo office (but I won't, I'll operate the temporary refund scheme in the interest of health)

Most self centred entitled post I've ever seen.
And get a better job if you're only coming out with a little more than 350

Kewreeuss · 24-03-2020 11:33pm

morrga wrote: »

He claims back whatever he pays you up to 70% of salaries up to 38k.

I normally work 5 days.
Business is down.
Now I work 2 days, and I work , I'm not going in and sitting at the desk.
I get paid for the 2 days work.
why does the employer claim back 70% of what he paid me for working?

Is it a help from the Gov to the company because business has collapsed?

morrga · 24-03-2020 11:43pm

Kewreeuss wrote: »

I normally work 5 days.
Business is down.
Now I work 2 days, and I work , I'm not going in and sitting at the desk.
I get paid for the 2 days work.
why does the employer claim back 70% of what he paid me for working?
Is it a help from the Gov to the company because business has collapsed?

A company can only claim this it company revenue is down 25% and it is struggling with cash flow. Before this subsidy it looks like the company could afford to pay you for two days so they should put you back on a 4/5 day week if the govt subsidy bridges the gap.

Kewreeuss · 24-03-2020 11:57pm

I'll have to sleep on it.
There is no actual work at the moment to do for 4/5 days, so when you say put me back to 4/5 day, you mean pay me for 4/5 days?
so the govt is paying me through my employer.
I'm sure it will be clearer in the morning.
Thanks for your patience:)

morrga · 25-03-2020 12:00am

The idea is to keep as many staff on payroll even if work is not there so you should be paid for 4 or 5 days even if work is not there. This is designed to protect income levels and keep the economy moving.

mickdw · 25-03-2020 12:03am

Whats the story with self employed where work might slow to a crawl due to everyone else being closed but not unemployed as such?

Wanderer19 · 25-03-2020 12:35am

CurryFlavoured wrote: »

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?

The covid 19 payments are only stop gaps. You need to apply for JSA/JSB for the long term.

Wanderer19 · 25-03-2020 12:38am

chooey wrote: »

I'm just wondering would anyone be able to answer my query. I've handed in my notice 8 weeks ago ( have to give 10 weeks notice). I am finishing up in my current role in two weeks time and am meant to be starting my new role at the beginning of May. My role is listed as an essential role and we have to work from a clinic so cannot work from home. If there is any delay in starting my new job, would I be able to claim benefits for the couple of weeks until I do start? I'm not sure if it will even be an issue but I just want to forward plan. Thanks for your help

Essential services are desperate for qualified, experienced staff. Contact your new employer and ask if they want you to start earlier than planned.

You don't say what line of work you're in, but if it's health/social care most agencies are looking for staff now.

chooey · 25-03-2020 12:45am

jrosen wrote: »

I would doubt it. You gave up your job prior to any pandemic. You dont fit the criteria im afraid.

ok thanks for that-was wondering what the situation would be. I think I'm ok as I was speaking to my new boss and he said that everything should hopefully be going ahead as normal. Here's hoping anyway.

chooey · 25-03-2020 12:49am

Wanderer19 wrote: »

Essential services are desperate for qualified, experienced staff. Contact your new employer and ask if they want you to start earlier than planned.

You don't say what line of work you're in, but if it's health/social care most agencies are looking for staff now.

Unfortunately I'm not in human health-I'm a vet. Though it looks like we may possibly be called on to assist as this is looking very likely in the UK also. Department is also calling for assistance at this time so I've sent my form back tonight and can help during my time off in between jobs.

wally1990 · 25-03-2020 12:51am

Santy2015 wrote: »

Wife got the €203 today will she get the extra €147 on top of this or will it €350 from here on in? Looks like she’ll be out for the 12 week duration..

Doesn't look like it as its for payment and applications on or after 24th

Gov.ie states

If you have already applied before the 24th of March or are already in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment you do not need to do anything. Your next payment will be paid at the increased rate

DartBhoy1888 · 25-03-2020 1:13am

Firstly, sorry if this has been answered already, I've looked but can't find the answer..

I have applied for the covid-19 payment as I have been told I won't have any hours while the restrictions are in place.. I HAVE NOT been let go, I still have my job and my hours will return once government lifts restrictions.. My employer has even said he might be in a position to pay me 10 hours a week..

So I'm asking do I still have to apply for job seekers benefit, even though I'm still employed? Thanks for any help..

Wanderer19 · 25-03-2020 1:21am

DartBhoy1888 wrote: »

Firstly, sorry if this has been answered already, I've looked but can't find the answer..

I have applied for the covid-19 payment as I have been told I won't have any hours while the restrictions are in place.. I HAVE NOT been let go, I still have my job and my hours will return once government lifts restrictions.. My employer has even said he might be in a position to pay me 10 hours a week..

So I'm asking do I still have to apply for job seekers benefit, even though I'm still employed? Thanks for any help..

You're on a short term layoff, which your employer thinks will only be temporary. Apply for the covid 19 payments for the short term and then apply for the JSA/JSB, but give it a while, they were saying you had to apply within 6 weeks, but the emergency payment has been extended so you probably won't need to apply so quickly.

DartBhoy1888 · 25-03-2020 1:35am

Wanderer19 wrote: »

You're on a short term layoff, which your employer thinks will only be temporary. Apply for the covid 19 payments for the short term and then apply for the JSA/JSB, but give it a while, they were saying you had to apply within 6 weeks, but the emergency payment has been extended so you probably won't need to apply so quickly.

Thank you

JCX BXC · 25-03-2020 1:46am

This line concerns me from the gov.ie website - "It will be paid in to your bank account every Tuesday once your application is processed."

Will further payments be made this week in that case?

The_Brood · 25-03-2020 3:19am

Jinglejangle69 wrote: »

What are you on about??

Were all in this together.

What about the minimum pay workers slaving it out in meat factories and food processing plants to keep us fed during this crisis. Putting them and their family at risk.

And youre giving out you have to work at home.

You selfish tosser.

Ireland doesn't need people like you at the moment.

Meat eating, as in what sparked this virus in the first place? World shut down because people have to devour animals when there are plenty of alternatives, and you want to lionize and defend more meat eating? Grand.

25-03-2020 3:37am

mickdw wrote: »

Whats the story with self employed where work might slow to a crawl due to everyone else being closed but not unemployed as such?

BarryD2 wrote: »

Has anyone figured out how these government supports relate to the self employed?

All I can see is the criteria for eligibility - "have ceased trading if self-employed due to the pandemic"

Where did you see that line, out of curiousity?

The rules and eligibility criteria seem to be getting changed every five minutes. I'm a self employed photographer / sole trader. I have obviously nothing to photograph now, but I reckon I will be back in action once this whole thing ends.

I satisfied the criteria when I applied last week, which was that I experienced a temporary stop in business due to the virus. Whereas the wording you have, using the words 'ceased trading' makes it sound like you have to actually de-register and close the business.

I'd assume it's just a case of poor wording. The whole point in getting this payment is so that you can sit back and relax for a little while, knowing that you can still service bills and debts, and that you'll be able to bounce back into action from a strong position as soon as possible.

If you didn't get this payment, you'd be in headless chicken mode, and scarpering and panicking, and would have to close your doors. This is what they're trying to avoid, so it makes more sense that you are eligible based on a temporary slowdown, rather than permanently ceasing trading.

25-03-2020 3:37am

Santy2015 wrote: »

Wife got the €203 today will she get the extra €147 on top of this or will it €350 from here on in? Looks like she’ll be out for the 12 week duration..

Also curious about this.

easypazz · 25-03-2020 7:53am

The_Brood wrote: »

Meat eating, as in what sparked this virus in the first place?.

Link plesse.

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 11:04am

Deleted User wrote: »

Where did you see that line, out of curiousity?

The rules and eligibility criteria seem to be getting changed every five minutes. I'm a self employed photographer / sole trader. I have obviously nothing to photograph now, but I reckon I will be back in action once this whole thing ends.

I satisfied the criteria when I applied last week, which was that I experienced a temporary stop in business due to the virus. Whereas the wording you have, using the words 'ceased trading' makes it sound like you have to actually de-register and close the business.

I'd assume it's just a case of poor wording. The whole point in getting this payment is so that you can sit back and relax for a little while, knowing that you can still service bills and debts, and that you'll be able to bounce back into action from a strong position as soon as possible.

If you didn't get this payment, you'd be in headless chicken mode, and scarpering and panicking, and would have to close your doors. This is what they're trying to avoid, so it makes more sense that you are eligible based on a temporary slowdown, rather than permanently ceasing trading.

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

How to qualify
You can apply for the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if you:

are an employee or self-employed
are aged between 18 and 66 years old
live in the Republic of Ireland
have lost your job due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic
have ceased trading due to the pandemic if you are self-employed

Seems black & white. What scheme did you apply for?

plodder · 25-03-2020 11:24am

Maybe they changed this to make it equivalent to employees who become unemployed. ie a self-employed person would have to cease trading*

However, employees who are on short time can apply for a different benefit, but there is no equivalent for self-employed unless I'm missing something, and who face this crazy choice of shutting down completely or getting no help whatsoever. Was there not supposed to be some scheme for self-employed whose turnover dropped by a certain amount?

* the comparison seems slightly misplaced as an employee can clearly get a new job afterwards, but it's not as easy for "Joe Bloggs plumber" to cease trading one minute and then start up again three months later. It probably depends on the exact meaning of "ceased trading" but it should be allowed to be temporary, so that no artificial restrictions are placed on Joe Bloggs to get going again after it's all over.

YFlyer · 25-03-2020 11:39am

I'm currently writing up my thesis. Beyond funding from my research project or the university.

Can I get any payment?

davedanon · 25-03-2020 11:41am

My advice to self-employed would be, just apply. It's a one-page form, so obviously it's on a no questions asked basis. Apply, and if you do get some work, do it, keep your client on board, and worry about the fallout later. Revenue isn't going to be asking any awkward questions in the current climate.

I have a question, though. Anyone got any idea as to a timeframe? I applied last week, posted the application on Paddy's Day, actually, and not heard a thing since. I see someone up thread saying they got paid after 4 days. Anyone else been paid, or still waiting to hear?

PS: I'm self-employed myself

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 11:47am

plodder wrote: »

Maybe they changed this to make it equivalent to employees who become unemployed. ie a self-employed person would have to cease trading*

However, employees who are on short time can apply for a different benefit, but there is no equivalent for self-employed unless I'm missing something, and who face this crazy choice of shutting down completely or getting no help whatsoever. Was there not supposed to be some scheme for self-employed whose turnover dropped by a certain amount?

That'd be the logical approach and what KKV suggests above but it's very hard to find exact guidance.

Shutting down a business has all sorts of implications, if that's what 'cease trading' means? Apart from all the paper work and disruption to whatever few customers are left, a business might also be able to renege on outstanding invoices etc. Daft idea to encourage self employed to 'cease trading' altogether just to fit a scheme's criteria.

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 11:50am

davedanon wrote: »

My advice to self-employed would be, just apply. It's a one-page form, so obviously it's on a no questions asked basis. Apply, and if you do get some work, do it, keep your client on board, and worry about the fallout later. Revenue isn't going to be asking any awkward questions in the current climate.

That's not how things work legally in the Revenue and civil service. There are Rules and the Rules must be followed. Be grand if you do get some work and it's cash in hand - that's fine. But if payments are going through your bank account when you're supposedly closed, I wouldn't be expecting any mercy afterwards. And nor should there be, if a scheme insists that you 'cease trading'.

Jinglejangle69 · 25-03-2020 12:00pm

BarryD2 wrote: »

That's not how things work legally in the Revenue and civil service. There are Rules and the Rules must be followed. Be grand if you do get some work and it's cash in hand - that's fine. But if payments are going through your bank account when you're supposedly closed, I wouldn't be expecting any mercy afterwards. And nor should there be, if a scheme insists that you 'cease trading'.

So what are we supposed to do if we're only taking emergency calls and only getting emergency calls and normal business is down?

And the emergency calls are in vital services?

Are we not entitled to any money too?

johnire · 25-03-2020 12:15pm

Just wondering if anyone can help me with a question I have. I work 3 days a week and get 2 days per week through the Jobseekers.
I’m now temporarily laid off completely so will the Jobseekers be frozen and this Covid 19 payment take over? I know I’ll have to apply for it. Thanks

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 12:16pm

Jinglejangle69 wrote: »

So what are we supposed to do if we're only taking emergency calls and only getting emergency calls and normal business is down?

And the emergency calls are in vital services?

Are we not entitled to any money too?

I have no idea! There seems to be a complete lack of clarity at the moment and no obvious means of querying it. So if you're a self employed plumber or electrician or whatever, it looks as if you should stay in business so as to be able to assist the public with fixing 'essential' problems. But if you don't get any work, that's tough and you should just suck it up.

Maybe it'll become clearer in next day or two. At present, it looks badly thought out and/or badly expressed.

plodder · 25-03-2020 12:31pm

The legislation is due to be passed tonight I think, is what I heard.

d51984 · 25-03-2020 1:43pm

Anyone get anything today? Im wondering now if you didnt get anything yest, they will wait until next Tuesday now.

JCX BXC · 25-03-2020 1:48pm

d51984 wrote: »

Anyone get anything today? Im wondering now if you didnt get anything yest, they will wait until next Tuesday now.

Very much so fearing that myself, I know several people (including myself) who submitted the form Monday last week yet haven't gotten a penny, only know of one person who's actually gotten the payment.

However apparently 60,000 of the 100,000 odd applications that were received by last Friday have gotten paid!

d51984 · 25-03-2020 1:55pm

Yea its a mixed bag, sent one for my friend last Thur nothing yet, however next door sent one same day and got paid yest.

Keep checking your bank I suppose and if nothing by Monday nxt you should get a double payment on the Tuesday.

morrga · 25-03-2020 2:00pm

DartBhoy1888 wrote: »

Firstly, sorry if this has been answered already, I've looked but can't find the answer..

I have applied for the covid-19 payment as I have been told I won't have any hours while the restrictions are in place.. I HAVE NOT been let go, I still have my job and my hours will return once government lifts restrictions.. My employer has even said he might be in a position to pay me 10 hours a week..

So I'm asking do I still have to apply for job seekers benefit, even though I'm still employed? Thanks for any help..

If you are still on the pay roll its up to your employer to claim the govt subsidy. It should appear on your payslip with a narrative of a govt subsidy and is tax free.

morrga · 25-03-2020 2:00pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Also curious about this.

Quote from citizensinformation.ie website. It is backdated for those who applied last week.

If you are already in receipt of the new new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, your payment will increase to €350 per week from Friday 27 March. This higher payment will be backdated to cover the shortfall in the payment that was made in the first week of the scheme's operation.

Amik · 25-03-2020 2:02pm

If my partner works part-time for an employer and also runs a small business (sole trader), can she also claim the COVID-19 payment for the small business?

Or does she need to apply in a special manner?

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 2:12pm

Amik wrote: »

If my partner works part-time for an employer and also runs a small business (sole trader), can she also claim the COVID-19 payment for the small business?

Or does she need to apply in a special manner?

If you find out, let us know. Very hard to figure out what sole traders/ self employed should do.

All that fandango · 25-03-2020 3:01pm

Trying to apply for the job loss due to covid payment. Registered online but said to verify my account I must have a Public Services Card. Is it possible to apply this for this payment without having a PSC or applying for one?

d51984 · 25-03-2020 3:02pm

You dont need to register, just donload the form and post it off.

Folks anyone check the post office? A lot of people saying that theres was in post office.

d51984 · 25-03-2020 3:05pm

Sorry was ment to say, anyone waiting on the covid-19 payment check your post office for first payment. A lot of people saying theres was at Post office instead of in their bank.

jarvis_c82 · 25-03-2020 3:09pm

Hi

Just looking for some info as I can't seem to find anything, small business which has been incorporated as a limited company. Owner is director and on payroll, staff are eligible for Covid payment and support from Gov.

Just checking, the director is eligible for the same payment or does he have to apply manually? Staff are going to be supported through payroll of the business.

Sorry, I can't seem to find anything on this.

hynesie08 · 25-03-2020 3:31pm

d51984 wrote: »

Sorry was ment to say, anyone waiting on the covid-19 payment check your post office for first payment. A lot of people saying theres was at Post office instead of in their bank.

But the form didn't ask for post office details??

d51984 · 25-03-2020 3:36pm

If you have a public services card already, check post office. Its strange but people have on fb theres was in post office.

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 3:36pm

jarvis_c82 wrote: »

Hi

Just looking for some info as I can't seem to find anything, small business which has been incorporated as a limited company. Owner is director and on payroll, staff are eligible for Covid payment and support from Gov.

Just checking, the director is eligible for the same payment or does he have to apply manually? Staff are going to be supported through payroll of the business.

Sorry, I can't seem to find anything on this.

Surely the owner is then legally an employee of the limited entity / business, so no problem?

It's self employed/ sole traders who seem to be in sort of limbo, as they are neither employees or employers.

jarvis_c82 · 25-03-2020 3:42pm

BarryD2 wrote: »

Surely the owner is then legally an employee of the limited entity / business, so no problem?

It's self employed/ sole traders who seem to be in sort of limbo, as they are neither employees or employers.

Thanks Barry, I was thinking the same but just wanted to make sure I was not the only person.

d51984 · 25-03-2020 3:42pm

Anyone wondering weather they are entitled to the payment, just download the form and free post it off.

If your due it you will get it, if not you wont.

Also if anyone tries the post office today (you need a public services card) can you let us know if your first payment was there... Thanks

Prominent_Dawg · 25-03-2020 5:16pm

I applied for for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment last Monday, does anyone know what the process is after applying or how long should it take?

hasdanta · 25-03-2020 5:23pm

Have any statements / articles been released about people who haven't gotten their payment yet?

It says on gov.ie the money should be deposited into your account on Tuesday, yet I've received nothing (sent the form by post on St. Patrick's Day). Just getting a little worried as I need to money now and can't really afford to wait until next Tuesday for a double payment.

hasdanta · 25-03-2020 5:27pm

hasdanta wrote: »

Have any statements / articles been released about people who haven't gotten their payment yet?

It says on gov.ie the money should be deposited into your account on Tuesday, yet I've received nothing (sent the form by post on St. Patrick's Day). Just getting a little worried as I need to money now and can't really afford to wait until next Tuesday for a double payment.

Just got off the phone from the helpline - she said some payments are being made Tuesday and the rest should be made Friday!

Government Benefits Megathread

Comments