First Payments Of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

The emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a short term payment to help people out of work because of the coronavirus.

There have been at least 40,00 applications . The first payments were due to go out to some people on 24th March to bank accounts. The next ones are due at the start of next week (30th)

But we have learnt that some of thes first payments went to Post Offices instead of bank accounts. This is a shame – because we are being told to avoid going out to busy places. It seems that the only payments affected were those where people applied for the COVID payment and also the normal Jobseekers Benefit on the same day.

Payment to Banks

Welfare has introduced for those customers who have a verified account a change of payment method request available through MyWelfare.ie

A verified account requires the person’s identity to be verified (these customers will have a Public Services Card (PSC)) and their mobile phone also needs to be verified. But the department has temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process for new applicants but those who already have a PSC can verify their mobile phone by calling the department at 1890 927 999.

Alternatively – forms for future payments to go to bank can be requested here


The Dept of Employment issued a notice on March 24th for people who applied for a Jobseeker’s Payment between 13th and 18th March inclusive

A number of people who applied for a Jobseeker’s payment online on or after the 13th March and up to March 18th were included in payment run to facilitate an emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment issuing to them. This decision was taken in order to facilitate payment in a timely manner to these customers. The payments were issued to the post office that the customer had nominated when they applied for their Jobseeker’s application. An Post have confirmed that these payments are now available for collection.
Anyone who wishes to have any future payments paid directly into their Bank Account can do so by completing the form available here

We have been in touch with An Post to see if people will need a Public Service Card (PSC) to collect payments , They said a valid photo id will suffice (Passport , Driving Licence).