The Central Statistic Office’s latest figures show there are 7,900 unemployed people aged 60 to 64 on the live register, while there are 8,600 people aged 55-59.
The State pension age was a major issue during the General Election last year and the Programme for Government committed to introducing an early retirement allowance for “65-year-olds who are required to or chose to retire” which will be paid at the same rate as Jobseeker’s but without a requirement to sign on, partake in any activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work.
Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea said he has begun to encounter cases in which people aged 65 are being told they do not qualify for the new payment.
New weekly payment of €203 introduced for 65-year-olds after rise of pension age
A person in receipt of this payment will not be required to be available for full-time work. By Órla Ryan Monday 8 Feb 2021, 7:27 AM Feb 8th 2021, 7:27 AM 150,388 Views 53 Comments
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A NEW SOCIAL welfare payment has been introduced for 65-year-olds who are no longer employed.
Plans for such a payment were announced in the Programme for Government after the pension age was raised to 66.
The trade union Siptu and the Labour party have criticised the payment as being too low and not addressing the issue of mandatory retirement at 65 years of age.