The first phase of changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment have come into effect this week.
The top two rates of the PUP were cut by €50 on Tuesday. The maximum weekly rate of €350 has dropped to €300. People receiving the €300 rate have their payments reduced to €250 and the current rate of €250 has reduced to €203.
Students who are returning to college/schools this week have also been cut from the scheme.
The government was due to move PUP recipients on the lower €203 rate to Jobseeker payments in September, but this measure has been delayed until all sectors have started to re-open. All affected recipients will continue to receive their PUP payment until 26th October.
Two further phases of rate changes are scheduled to take place from 16th November 2021 and 8th February 2022. As PUP recipients go on to the €203 rate in each phase, they will be transitioned to standard jobseeker terms.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said: “I am acutely aware that some sectors of the economy are re-opening slower than others.
“That’s why as Minister, I have deferred the transition of workers from the PUP to jobseeker’s benefit until after 22nd October.
“In practical terms, this will mean that any self-employed person on the €203 PUP rate will continue to be able to avail of €960 without being impacted.
“I know that this flexibility is something people in the entertainment industry have called for and I am happy as Minister to provide it.”