COVID-19: Immediate Financial Support for Contractors

With the escalating COVID-19 crisis we are entering uncharted territory. Many professional contractors are concerned about the impact the coronavirus will have on their ability to go to work and earn a living.

For many professional contractors, work shall continue as normal, albeit possibly remotely from their home as opposed to the office. However for the unlucky contractors whose income will be affected by the virus, immediate financial support is available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Financial Support 

A summary of the financial supports available for professional contractors as updated from 24 March 2020 include: 

Scenario: Contract terminated due to downturn in economic activity caused by COVID-19 pandemic

• Support: COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
• How much: €350 per week for 12 weeks
• Application Process: Complete 1 page application form 

Scenario: Contractor requested to stay at home and cannot work remotely due to COVID-19 pandemic

• Support: COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
• How much: €350 per week for 12 weeks
• Application Process: Complete 1 page application form 

Scenario: Contractor who is not diagnosed with COVID-19 but self-isolates 

• Support: Enhanced Illness Benefit
• How much: €350 per week for 2 weeks
• Application Process: Request your doctor to send a medical certificate to Social Welfare. You must then complete Illness Benefit Form (Form IB 1). See guidance here.

Scenario: Contractor put onto short-time working due to a reduction in business activity related to COVID-19

• Support: Short Time Work Support
• How much: €203 prorated based on the number of days worked in week
• Application Process: Through MyWelfare.ie or Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch

Support from Fenero - We're Here to Help

We are on hand to help and support you as always. If you require any supporting documentation for your application or are not sure how to complete the form, please get in touch with our team.

If you have any queries on the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly, or with the team on [email protected] or 01-6877400.

Take care and stay safe, from all the team at Fenero.