Press release
Minister Humphreys announces details on the reopening of PUP to workers impacted by the latest restrictions
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Following Friday’s announcement of the introduction of new public health restrictions, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today announced the details of the reopening of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
This limited reopening of PUP is specifically designed to support those workers who lose their employment as a direct result of the introduction of the new restrictions from Tuesday 7 December.
There will be five rates of PUP payable, which will be determined by the person’s weekly earnings.
To align PUP with EWSS and to better reflect the earnings of part-time workers, a new rate of €150 will be payable to those who previously earned less than €151.50 per week.
The Department of Social Protection will use Revenue data to verify employment status for all applications.
Although applicants should apply online, they may be required, as is the case with other work-related payments, to attend an Intreo Centre to present evidence of their employment status.
| Weekly Earnings (Gross) | Rate from 7 December 2021 | |
| €400+ | €350 | |
| €300-€399 | €300 | |
| €200-€299 | €250 | |
| €151.50- €200 | €203 | |
| Less than €151.50 | €150 |
Anyone who loses employment as a direct result of the new restrictions should apply for PUP online via www.MyWelfare.ie. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply for PUP.
Individuals can apply for PUP from Tuesday 7 December and eligible applicants will receive their first payment on Tuesday 14 December.
Minister Humphreys commented:
“As the government has introduced new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, I am reopening PUP for a limited period to support those people who directly lose their employment as a consequence of these new restrictions.
“PUP will be open for those who are directly impacted from Tuesday 7 December.
“As has previously been the case, the rate of PUP will be linked to a person’s previous earnings and there will be 5 rates of payment available, ranging from €150 to €350 per week.
“This is not where any of us wanted to be, however, reopening PUP for those directly impacted will provide vital support during these difficult times.
“I want to assure everyone working in one of the affected sectors that should they lose their employment, my department will be there to support them. The quickest and easiest way to apply for PUP is online via MyWelfare.ie.”
The government will keep the situation under review and future decisions on the closure of PUP will be taken in light of progress in supressing transmission and the labour market impact of restrictions.