Important Information on COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Eligibility
Published: 26 March 2020
From: Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
The Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme is a new scheme introduced to help employers retain workers on their payrolls during a period of reduced trading or temporary lay-off related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This new subsidy will cover 70% the net salary of workers, up to a maximum of €410 per week. Many employers will ‘top-up’ this salary to pay their workers as close as possible to their normal full wage.
You are eligible to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if:
- you were in employment or self-employment immediately before Friday 13 March, and
- you have been temporarily laid-off from work or asked to stay at home from work, and
- your employer is not in a position to retain you on their payroll, and
- you are not in receipt of any employment income.
You are not eligible to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if:
- you were not in employment immediately before Friday 13 March, or
- you were not laid-off from work by your employer, or
- you are continuing to receive income from your employment, or
- you voluntarily left your employment.
Do not claim the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if your employer has not laid you off or if you were not previously in employment or if you are still in receipt of employment income, or if your employer takes you back onto their payroll.
If you think you inadvertently applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, or if your employer has re-employed you under the new Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, you must close your Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment claim now. Claims can be closed via the Department’s online portal at www.MyWelfare.ie under the Covid-19 payment section.
The Department will review all claims. It is engaging with Revenue Commissioners to identify those workers not eligible to avail of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and will take steps to recover any incorrect payment. Any person who knowingly claims the payment in circumstances where they are not entitled to the payment will be prosecuted.
The co-operation of the public in ensuring that only correct claims are submitted is greatly appreciated. This ensures that we can process claims for people who really need the support as quickly as possible.
Apply online
The quickest and easiest way to apply for the emergency Covid-19 payment is by applying online at mywelfare.ie.
All you need is your email to set up a basic MyGovID account which then allows you to apply online.
How to close a claim for Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Apply by post
Detailed instructions on how to fill in the form are available here.
Fill out the following application form:
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Application Form
This is the application form for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Send the completed application form by Freepost to:
Freepost, PO Box 12896, Dublin 1
Request a Form be posted out to you
This email address is only to request that an application form be posted out to you so please supply your name and address. Forms can only be posted to addresses in Ireland.
After you have applied, please keep checking your bank account as payment may issue before the department formally notifies you.
To help us to process all payments as quickly as possible, we would kindly ask you not to phone the department seeking updates on your application as staff will be focusing on processing applications. Thank you for your cooperation.
DEASP Income Support Helpline for COVID-19
This helpline provides information on available income supports for people impacted by COVID-19. Our information team can advise on the most suitable income supports for your circumstances and provide information on how to make an application.
