Number of people on Covid Payment falls by 15,000 as people return to work Some 48% of those in receipt of PUP are receiving the maximum rate of €350 this week. By Gráinne Ní Aodha Monday 12 Apr 2021, 5:48 PM 1 hour ago 6,528 Views 10 Comments Image: Leah Farrell Image: Leah Farrell THE DEPARTMENT OF Social Protection has issued weekly payments valued at €125.52 million to 421,373 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). The number of people receiving a Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week has decreased by 15,776 compared to last week. The figures published today are in addition to the 183,096 people who were on the Live Register at the end of March.