Govt facing deeply unpalatable decision on pensions
Updated / Saturday, 13 Feb 2021
13:27
Political Reporter
This week brought a reminder that pensions remain a live political issue after becoming a key battleground during last year s general election.
The Government followed through on a promise to remove the obligation on 65-year-olds to sign on until they reach the State pension age of 66.
But Sinn Féin and others denounced it as little more than a repackaged jobseeker’s payment, pointing out that it was still being paid at €45 less per week than the State pension.
Since 2014, the State pension is paid to people aged 66, at the current rate of €248 per week. From 65, people can apply for jobseeker s benefit paid at €203 per week.
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On Monday, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys announced a new “Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds”.
It will apply to people aged between 65 and 66 “who cease employment, whether voluntarily or otherwise”.
It means they will no longer have to sign on, or be genuinely seeking work, in order to receive the benefits, as was previously the case.
Minister @HHumphreysFG announces New Benefit for people aged between 65 and 66
The quickest and easiest way to apply for the new payment is via https://t.co/M2y3fHlEv2
However, they will receive the equivalent of the Jobseekers’ Payment of 203 euro a week, some 45 euro less than the state pension rate of 248 euro.
Pandemic Unemployment Payment extended until March 31, Government confirms
Extensions have also been granted to the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme and the CRSS scheme for businesses
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Minister urges people to apply for January Pandemic Unemployment Payments as soon as possible
The Department says anyone made unemployed from today, and who applies by 5pm on December 31, will be able to receive a PUP payment by January 5
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys. File Picture: Julien Behal/ PA
Wed, 30 Dec, 2020 - 21:16
Steven Heaney
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has advised anyone applying for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) to apply online as soon as possible.
Speaking this evening, Ms Humphreys said the return to full level 5 Covid-19 restrictions from tonight, would further impact “on the economic life of the country.