The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that workers who cannot attend work due to a lack of childcare during the current Level 5 restrictions will be able to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, on the basis of "self-declaration".
However, applications will be checked against employment and earnings records held by the Revenue Commissioners.
The Department stated: "As was the case when childcare facilities and schools were closed previously, an employee who cannot attend work due to child minding responsibilities, and as a consequence is not in receipt of employment income, is eligible to apply for PUP."
It confirmed that this arrangement will remain in place during the latest set of Level 5 restrictions.
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys acknowledged that since the start of the pandemic, many employers had put in place flexible arrangements to allow staff to continue working while minding their children.
She said this should continue wherever possible, as it maintained the vital link between employees and employers - but confirmed that where this was not possible, workers could apply for the PUP.
"I would like to reassure parents that where they are unable to avail of childcare and have no options available to enable them to work, they are eligible to apply for the PUP," the Minister stated.
Collection of social welfare payments
Minister Humphreys also outlined arrangements for social welfare recipients to collect payments during the Level 5 restrictions.
She said that while payments will continue to be paid weekly, some claimants may prefer to collect them less frequently, as they may be "understandably concerned" about making weekly visits to their local Post Office due to the current virus numbers.
She cited the examples of recipients of Jobseekers Benefit or One Parent Family Payments, who have up to 20 days to collect them from their nominated post office, while those receiving a State Pension or Carer's Allowance have up to 90 days to do so.
The Department of Social Protection says the continuation of these arrangements would allow customers to collect payments at a time of their choosing, while allowing for greater adherence to social distancing guidelines.
