Questions and Answers

How do I apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment?

I run a small business by myself but I have closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. How do I apply for social welfare?

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a new payment put in place by the government and is available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to give those affected quick access to a social welfare payment and provide income security during the pandemic.

There are two steps to applying for social welfare:

Step 1 – apply for Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Download and fill in the one-page form here and FREEPOST PO Box 12896, Dublin 1
A flat rate payment of €203 per week will be paid to you for a period of 6 weeks

Step 2 – apply for Jobseeker's Payment

You should also apply for the full Jobseeker's Payment, through mywelfare.ie
Once this full application is received it will be processed and you will continue to receive your payments after the initial 6 weeks if you are still out of work. Also if you are entitled to more than the €203 per week (due to having dependents etc.) then the payment will be increased accordingly and backdated.

Date published 18 Mar 2020

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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