Government Benefits Megathread

Salty · 25-03-2020 5:39pm

I got mine yesterday. I received an email saying it was in the Post Office for me. I sent off the Covid 19 form on either the 17th or 18th of March for reference. I have a public services card as I was previously made redundant in February but managed to get new employment almost immediately.

Prominent_Dawg · 25-03-2020 5:44pm

Is anything required after you submit the form? I missed a call from them today but couldn't get back in contact with them so just curious

SEPT 23 1989 · 25-03-2020 5:52pm

the self employed are going to get thrown to the wolves again

StupidLikeAFox · 25-03-2020 5:58pm

The other half had to stop trading (also self-employed) last week due to Covid-19. The Intreo office told her not to bother with the Covid payment and had her apply for JSB instead.

Covid was put down on the form as the reason for ceasing trading but will she be entitled to the €350 payment considering she didn't actually apply for the Covid-specific scheme?

maj206 · 25-03-2020 5:59pm

so i finished work last wednesday,i work in the dental profession and we have gone to skeleton staff providing emergency treatment only.
i have one days work this week and possibly one day next week, i used to work 5 days a week so a significant drop in income for me.
am i entitled to the emergency covid payment of 350 does anyone know? very confused.
TIA

coolshannagh28 · 25-03-2020 6:00pm

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

the self employed are going to get thrown to the wolves again

Ivan Yates on Newstalk claims the employers temporary wage subsidy scheme is unworkable .

Salty · 25-03-2020 6:04pm

Prominent_Dawg wrote: »

Is anything required after you submit the form? I missed a call from them today but couldn't get back in contact with them so just curious

No I didn't do anything else, just submitted the form.

I had to pick mine up in cash from the PO, but I was able to lodge it straight into my AIB bank account with my card. There is another bank that the PO offer this service for but I can't remember which one.

dublinbando · 25-03-2020 7:26pm

StupidLikeAFox wrote: »

The other half had to stop trading (also self-employed) last week due to Covid-19. The Intreo office told her not to bother with the Covid payment and had her apply for JSB instead.

Covid was put down on the form as the reason for ceasing trading but will she be entitled to the €350 payment considering she didn't actually apply for the Covid-specific scheme?

Intreo office was wrong, your other half is fully entitled to the covid payment. Make sure you apply asap, here is the form: https://assets.gov.ie/71472/a026043e90cc4d03bdfb1f3a58f3d7af.pdf

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 8:14pm

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

the self employed are going to get thrown to the wolves again

What have you figured out in relation to how it's supposed to work?

BarryD2 · 25-03-2020 8:16pm

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

I see the wording has changed a little during the day, from:

have ceased trading due to the pandemic if you are self-employed
to
if you are self-employed and have ceased trading due to the pandemic

Hmm, what's the difference, if any?

Anyone know, who can advise on this?

JCX BXC · 25-03-2020 8:50pm

I can't figure out why the payment would be in the post office, nothing suggesting this from any distributed information.

If it is, do they plan on just not telling people where their payment is?

plodder · 25-03-2020 11:29pm

BarryD2 wrote: »

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

I see the wording has changed a little during the day, from:

have ceased trading due to the pandemic if you are self-employed
to
if you are self-employed and have ceased trading due to the pandemic

Hmm, what's the difference, if any?

Anyone know, who can advise on this?

I don't see any change in meaning there.

recyclebin · 25-03-2020 11:44pm

Just reading through the details on the Revenue website. To me it reads that an employer can pay their employees up to 410 a week and claim it all back from the state. So the employee would get 60 euro more than the 350 euro they would get if they claimed directly from the state.

Is there any reason why an employer wouldn't offer this, if it costs them nothing?

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 12:11am

recyclebin wrote: »

Just reading through the details on the Revenue website. To me it reads that an employer can pay their employees up to 410 a week and claim it all back from the state. So the employee would get 60 euro more than the 350 euro they would get if they claimed directly from the state.

Is there any reason why an employer wouldn't offer this, if it costs them nothing?

The €410 can only account for 70% of the employees take home pay. The employer still needs to find 30%, plus the difference between what would be the employees gross pay and net pay plus employers prsi.
That's quite a lot of money to find if you don't have money coming in.

titan18 · 26-03-2020 12:28am

Wanderer19 wrote: »

The €410 can only account for 70% of the employees take home pay. The employer still needs to find 30%, plus the difference between what would be the employees gross pay and net pay plus employers prsi.
That's quite a lot of money to find if you don't have money coming in.

Isn't it only optional to top it up. Like they can give nothing extra?

kajzer · 26-03-2020 12:32am

Question, this is regarding my girlfriend. So she was working until December last year, left her job to go back to her country for Christmas. Came back in January, found a new job and a few weeks in we found out she's pregnant. At the end of February she got 4 weeks off from the doctor because she was unable to work because her morning sickness was so bad she literally couldn't work. She also applied for ilness benefit but found out she doesn't have enough PRSI contributions for that(she came to Ireland back in July 2018 but her then employer only registered her after a few weeks). So now she was meant to come back to work today but the restaurant closed last week.
Question is, to be eligible for the covid payment, do you have to meet certain PRSI contributions quota?

Another question not directly related to the covid payment, it turns out she probably won't qualify for maternity benefit either as she won't be able to get enough contributions (because she can't now work because of the covid-19) so will number of contributions required for that be lowered? We're planning to get married sometime this year, will mine and her contributions combine so she gets a better chance?( I've been employed for the past 7 years, literally since I started college).

extra gravy · 26-03-2020 12:33am

What's the deal with the short time hours payment? Will the employer be notified that it has been processed? As far as I remember it was the employer email that had to be put down not the employee's one.

JCX BXC · 26-03-2020 12:43am

kajzer wrote: »

Question is, to be eligible for the covid payment, do you have to meet certain PRSI contributions quota?

No you do not.

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

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 12:48am

titan18 wrote: »

Isn't it only optional to top it up. Like they can give nothing extra?

The employer is supposed to make good effort to pay employees the 30%, to bring them to the total 100%.

If employers are found to be abusing the scheme there will be strict penalties.

26-03-2020 1:41am

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

the self employed are going to get thrown to the wolves again

Why do you say that? Seems like a fair scheme (so far?).

gooner99 · 26-03-2020 10:09am

Hi. Quick question. Sorry if it's been posted before. I was told to self isolate and have a two week doctors cert from Friday past. The doctor is filling in the covid-19 illness benefit form which I was to pick up Today and submit. My employer informed me Yesterday afternoon that they are laying me off from Today, so will be payed the €410 payment from Today. They won't be paying me for Friday to Tuesday.Can I claim the Covid-19 illness benefit for the 3 days only, from Friday to Yesterday?

Thinking about it. Can they start the 70% €410 payment half ways through a working week?

theWebAdvisor · 26-03-2020 10:53am

Deleted User wrote: »

Why do you say that? Seems like a fair scheme (so far?).

Initially when the scheme was announced self employed where being treated same as workers, if they had lost income/employment they could apply.
Since Monday the 23rd they changed the wording and have had inserted "ceased trading" ( i know someone else highlighted they have changed this sentence around again).
An official cessation of trading for a business has specific legal/taxation and other requirements.
It also creates issues with customers/marketing/accounts etc.
When business's are starting up again, it creates extra barriers and expenses, not even sure how the tax is going to work.
We are all hoping that this is short term, seems strange that they would now be making it more difficult for self employed to get back to work once over, given the purpose of these schemes is not just income support but to keep work relations intact.
Until there is better clarification if ceased trading is the full legal term, people are in limbo, form still has no mention of this, neither does mywelfare ( correct as of yesterday, they may have changed it again)

Dodge · 26-03-2020 10:58am

theWebAdvisor wrote: »

Initially when the scheme was announced self employed where being treated same as workers, if they had lost income/employment they could apply.
Since Monday the 23rd they changed the wording and have had inserted "ceased trading" ( i know someone else highlighted they have changed this sentence around again).
An official cessation of trading for a business has specific legal/taxation and other requirements.
It also creates issues with customers/marketing/accounts etc.
When business's are starting up again, it creates extra barriers and expenses, not even sure how the tax is going to work.
We are all hoping that this is short term, seems strange that they would now be making it more difficult for self employed to get back to work once over, given the purpose of these schemes is not just income support but to keep work relations intact.
Until there is better clarification if ceased trading is the full legal term, people are in limbo, form still has no mention of this, neither does mywelfare ( correct as of yesterday, they may have changed it again)

I *think* you’re over thinking it. I *think* the wording was changed because some were applying for it while still working (Self employed) and saying earnings were down

If your business has stopped (ie you can no longer work as a self employed person) then you can apply

As you’ve said the form is quite simple and they do not have time to check whether you legally have closed your business down completely

Now I can’t provide anything in writing to assuage your fears/suspicions but I hope the words help...

Jinglejangle69 · 26-03-2020 11:01am

theWebAdvisor wrote: »

Initially when the scheme was announced self employed where being treated same as workers, if they had lost income/employment they could apply.
Since Monday the 23rd they changed the wording and have had inserted "ceased trading" ( i know someone else highlighted they have changed this sentence around again).
An official cessation of trading for a business has specific legal/taxation and other requirements.
It also creates issues with customers/marketing/accounts etc.
When business's are starting up again, it creates extra barriers and expenses, not even sure how the tax is going to work.
We are all hoping that this is short term, seems strange that they would now be making it more difficult for self employed to get back to work once over, given the purpose of these schemes is not just income support but to keep work relations intact.
Until there is better clarification if ceased trading is the full legal term, people are in limbo, form still has no mention of this, neither does mywelfare ( correct as of yesterday, they may have changed it again)

I rang yesterday.

Lady said self employed still entitled even if they haven't ceased trading.

Just send the form off.

recyclebin · 26-03-2020 11:03am

Rushed legislation usually means bad legislation. There will be many loop holes and exceptional circumstances not covered. The covid19 payment is an emergency payment. In my opinion if you are struggling to pay for basics then you should apply for it and worry about the consequences later.

theWebAdvisor · 26-03-2020 11:04am

Jinglejangle69 wrote: »

I rang yesterday.

Lady said self employed still entitled even if they haven't ceased trading.

Just send the form off.

Thanks, that is good to hear.

Limpy · 26-03-2020 11:05am

Hat off to all the folks working part time in the affected industries. Now you get to stay home and earn more money. How long will this gravy train last.

tscul32 · 26-03-2020 11:15am

Limpy wrote: »

Hat off to all the folks working part time in the affected industries. Now you get to stay home and earn more money. How long will this gravy train last.

Most people who were working part time were not available for or seeking full time work which means that when the 12 weeks is up they get nothing as they wont qualify for jsb. In the short term some people will get more to stay at home than when they were working but to try to implement a proper system where each claim is investigated properly would just result in huge delays, which would kind of defeat the purpose. It's an exceptional circumstances emergency payment.
Personally I'd rather still have a job.

Limpy · 26-03-2020 11:55am

Me to. Many people would do a few hours. Normally as the partner is working and after been means tested they would usually receive nothing in terms of benefits. Now they get €305 euro.

killiank · 26-03-2020 12:03pm

Hi - Am I correct to assume that if you are earning say €25k & you weekly net is coming out at €420. with Government scheme you are getting 70% of this refunded to you. So you would get €294 from revenue & hopefully employer can top up the balance. If the employer doesnt top up then you would be getting less than if you were to go to Social Welfare directly €350 (& have employment ceased) Am I understanding that correctly?

martco · 26-03-2020 12:09pm

re. COVID-19 Emergency Payments form - My Welfare website - Rejecting/discriminating my N26 IBAN ?

Hi, I have to apply for the Emergency payment, I have an N26 account established here in Ireland 2 years ago, dumped traditional banks (BOI) around same time

you get to the part of the form that asks you to select a Y/N button dialog "is your bank account Irish?"

- IF I enter YES when I enter the IBAN it's rejected "Please enter a valid IBAN"
- IF I enter NO it proceeds but warns "please note that payments to foreign bank accounts will be made only on a 4 weekly basis..."

on citizensinformation howto apply under the section "Applying Online" it states clearly "your bank details (only Irish banks, Revolut and N26 accounts are supported)

I don't know many people who have anything except an N26 or Revolut account

Has anyone heard of this or know what's going on there?

thanks

Dodge · 26-03-2020 12:10pm

killiank wrote: »

Hi - Am I correct to assume that if you are earning say €25k & you weekly net is coming out at €420. with Government scheme you are getting 70% of this refunded to you. So you would get €294 from revenue & hopefully employer can top up the balance. If the employer doesnt top up then you would be getting less than if you were to go to Social Welfare directly €350 (& have employment ceased) Am I understanding that correctly?

No. You are not getting your wages ‘refunded

If your employer continues to pay you (but you are not working), they can apply to have some of it refunded to them (up to 410 for now and 70% up to 410 from April). You won’t be receiving anything from revenue

If they don’t employ you, you can apply for the emergency payment from social welfare

Galway20188 · 26-03-2020 12:13pm

Hi guys,

I lost my job March 17

I applied March 18 for COVID 19 payment

Didn’t receive anything this week

Will I receive double next week as I’m not earning anything this week?

Thanks

dublinbando · 26-03-2020 2:21pm

Galway20188 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I lost my job March 17

I applied March 18 for COVID 19 payment

Didn’t receive anything this week

Will I receive double next week as I’m not earning anything this week?

Thanks

Yes you will be paid back dated to when you lost your job

Pinkpotato · 26-03-2020 2:30pm

Does anyone know what day Illness Benefit is paid? It says awarded from 18 March. But I haven't a clue when it will be paid.

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 2:52pm

Pinkpotato wrote: »

Does anyone know what day Illness Benefit is paid? It says awarded from 18 March. But I haven't a clue when it will be paid.

One of my colleagues received hers on a Monday. As far as I can remember all IB payments are issued on the same day.

NewRed2 · 26-03-2020 4:04pm

As an employer if I have to cease trading temporarily I will pay my employee the 350 unemployment payment and then seek reimbursement from welfare BUT am I also allowed to top-up my employee's 350 and pay the tax on it? So lets say can I pay him 450 euro during this time and just pay the tax on the 100 top-up? Is this allowed?

Gal44 · 26-03-2020 4:15pm

I'm a VTOS student and I work aswell part time. I get my vtos weekly allowance but I also work as you are allowed to do so as long as it doesn't interfere with my studies and I wouldn't be able to afford on just my vtos allowance , well I was working up until two weeks ago, but my workplace has closed because of the Coronavirus. I haven't applied for the benefit as I assume since I get my vtos payment I wouldn't be eligible for benefit even though I am down money since I was working part time up till two weeks ago.

Anyone else in the same boat? just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Many thanks

ATC110 · 26-03-2020 4:31pm

Has anyone received a payment yet?

titan18 · 26-03-2020 4:34pm

Wanderer19 wrote: »

The employer is supposed to make good effort to pay employees the 30%, to bring them to the total 100%.

If employers are found to be abusing the scheme there will be strict penalties.

Well good luck for people with that. Can't imagine many employers who've had to close having the funds for that.

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 5:02pm

Yes, the gvt.. is encouraging people to top Up as near to the 100% as possible. But you can only reclaim a maximum of 70% of the employees (pre covid 19) take home pay.

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 5:04pm

It stated that those on a BTEA payment would be automatically put on the emergency rate.

Wanderer19 · 26-03-2020 5:09pm

titan18 wrote: »

Well good luck for people with that. Can't imagine many employers who've had to close having the funds for that.

Many employers (not all) can afford it, they're just choosing not to. Look at the amount of creches that were shut looking for full payment for fees, despite not paying their staff.

easypazz · 26-03-2020 5:11pm

Limpy wrote: »

Hat off to all the folks working part time in the affected industries. Now you get to stay home and earn more money. How long will this gravy train last.

While this is an obvious flaw I would expect them to clamp down on this at some point. Right now they need to get money into peoples hands and ask questions later.

Galway20188 · 26-03-2020 5:20pm

Has anyone received confirmation or acknowledgment of their application for the emergency payment?

Haven’t received an email or anything and applied on 18th may

Also haven’t received pay

TtomRedCM · 26-03-2020 5:27pm

I applied on the 17th March, haven't received any notification at all or payment. My last date of work was 7th march as all jobs were cancelled for the following week (conferences). On the government website it says all those who have lost up to and following the 13th March. Does this mean I'm not included in the criteria? Thanks in advance for any replies. Currently flustered wondering if I'll get any payment at all

paruss100 · 26-03-2020 5:32pm

Dont know if this has been asked already but my wife had to leave her job as the creches closed and we had no alternate care for my son. Would she be entitled to the payment?

ATC110 · 26-03-2020 5:35pm

TtomRedCM wrote: »

I applied on the 17th March, haven't received any notification at all or payment. My last date of work was 7th march as all jobs were cancelled for the following week (conferences). On the government website it says all those who have lost up to and following the 13th March. Does this mean I'm not included in the criteria? Thanks in advance for any replies. Currently flustered wondering if I'll get any payment at all

I applied on 18th March and haven't had any confirmation or payment either. I did hear the first payments are due to be paid on 27th March.

Consensus seems to be to sit tight.

Boggles · 26-03-2020 5:39pm

paruss100 wrote: »

Dont know if this has been asked already but my wife had to leave her job as the creches closed and we had no alternate care for my son. Would she be entitled to the payment?

IMO yes.

She had to leave her employment because of the emergency.

So she is very much entitled to it.

BanditLuke · 26-03-2020 5:42pm

paruss100 wrote: »

Dont know if this has been asked already but my wife had to leave her job as the creches closed and we had no alternate care for my son. Would she be entitled to the payment?

100%. If you can do the online application not postal as I've been told they've made a complete balls of that.

Government Benefits Megathread

Comments