If you are not ill, and are still in a job that is allowed to open but your employer has asked you stay at home, there are financial supports that you are entitled to. Employers are expected to be flexible during these uncertain times and if you feel your employer is not giving you what you are entitled to, there are supports that can help. FLAC (The Free Legal Advice Centre) offer some basic legal assistance for free and is currently available to contact via phone on Lo-Call 1890 350 250 or 01-8745690.
Financial supports for people asked not to go to work
Employee Entitlements
Continue pay as normal
If your employer tells you not to go to work (for reasons unrelated to a downturn in business i.e. they are not placing you on lay off) and you are willing and able to work, it is your employer’s decision so they should continue to pay you.
Government Income Supports
If you are asked to stay at home on a permanent basis due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and your employer is not paying you, you may be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This is a payment of €350 per week for up to 12 weeks and is designed for employees and self-employed people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
To be eligible, you must have:
- Been in employment or self-employment immediately before Friday 13 March 2020
- Lost your job or be temporarily laid off from work or asked to stay at home from work due to the pandemic
- Stopped trading as self-employed due to the pandemic
You cannot claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Benefit if you are continuing to receive any income from your employment (e.g. if you are working reduced hours or if your employer is topping up your wages or availing of the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme) or if you voluntarily left your employment.
- You can apply online for the benefit at gov.ie (if you already have a Public Services Card)
- Otherwise, you can download an application form and post it for free to PO BOX 12896, Dublin 1
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious around the current pandemic?
- Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
- Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
- Text SPUNOUT to 086 1800 280 to begin
- Find out more about our text message support service
This situation is completely new to everyone involved and it is normal to feel worried or anxious about what is going on. Following the Government’s instructions on how to stay safe and help slow the spread of the virus, can help to make you feel more in control of your current situation.
If you feel overwhelmed by the current situation and need someone to talk to, our anonymous, 24 hour text line is always open. You’re worth talking about and we’re here to listen and support you.
