COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
If you have lost work due to a downturn in economic activity caused by COVID-19 you can apply for the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, now worth €350 per week (increased from €203), through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
This new payment quickly delivers income support to the unemployed (whether you are self-employed or employed) for a 6-week period.
It is designed to provide income security for a period during which you can apply for a full jobseekers benefit payment (and received any additional entitlements backdated).
You can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment online or by filling in a one page application and returning to the Department by FREEPOST to;
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
FREEPOST
PO Box 12896
Dublin 1.
You should not visit an Intreo Centre to apply.
The Department are also asking if employers can make this payment direct to employees to retain the link between employers and employees, so you should discuss this option with your employer if possible.
