Opportunity for self-employed people to earn extra income with PUP

The Irish government has made it possible for recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) to earn extra income in the context of Covid.

With this, self-employed people can earn 960 euros in two months without losing PUP. The government has approved an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill introduced by Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane. Accordingly, you can earn up to 80 480 per month without losing PUP.

The government took the decision after discussions with a number of self-employed people, including musicians, artists and taxi drivers, in the wake of the Covid crisis.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, told the Dáil yesterday that she expects the government’s new decision to be warmly welcomed by taxi drivers, musicians, electricians, plumbers and other self-employed people across the country.

“This measure took effect from Budget day. There is no application process, it’s a self-declaration so a self-employed person simply needs to inform my Department if they earn more than €480 over a 4 week period.” Minister said

She said that she had spoken directly to musicians and members of the entertainment industry about the new amendment and hoped the new move would make their lives easier during the Covid era.

He added that those earning 480 in four weeks and 960 in eight weeks should not be turned down for fear of losing their PUP.

The Irish government provides PUP to employees and self-employed who lost their jobs on or after March 13 due to the Covid epidemic.