There are a number of payments that farmers can access during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they can vary depending on whether you’re employed or self-employed, if you’re already in receipt of welfare payments or if you’re over 66.

Here we give you an idea of what payments you’re entitled to, but for a full list and more details you can contact your social welfare office or go online to www.gov.ie.

Pension

Only people between the ages of 18 and 66 can claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment worth €350/week if they lose their job as a result of the pandemic.

For farmers over 66 in receipt of the State pension, if they are in employment they can still be eligible for the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

The scheme allows employers to pay their employees during the pandemic. Employers will be refunded up to 70% of an employee’s wages up to €410/week.

The same level of support is not available to farmers if they are over 66, self-employed on the farm, in receipt of the State pension and face reduced financial circumstances due to the coronavirus.

However, the Department of Social Protection pointed out that people in receipt of the State pension had automatic access to other supports, including the Free Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Allowance, free travel and a free TV licence.

“It should be noted that the fuel allowance has been extended to four weeks until Friday 8 May,” the Department said.

Rural Social Scheme and Farm Assist

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has provided a number of updates to information on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Farm Assist payments during the pandemic.

Recipients of either scheme will not have the option to apply to the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment worth €350/week if they lose their employment or their hours are reduced, but farmers will still maintain their current level of payments.

A maximum of €225.50/week is available for RSS and €203/week for Farm Assist.

Farmers in receipt of less than the maximum weekly rates also cannot avail of the €350/week COVID-19.

The Department of Social Protection stated: “However, people on the Rural Social Scheme or in receipt of a Farm Assist payment can have their payment increased if they lose employment income or if their employment income is reduced.

“They should contact the Department and request to have their claim reviewed because of the change in their income.”

Non-Government support

The Irish Red Cross and Age Action have teamed up to deliver once-off grants of up to €500 to older people in vulnerable situations.

The grant can be used for small household improvements, repairs or food and associated delivery costs.

It can also be used for other items, a full list of which can be found at www.redcross.ie/hardshipfund or by calling the Irish Red Cross on 01-642 4600 or Age Action at 01-475 6989.