The government has announced (Sunday, 15 March) that a new emergency payment scheme has been put in place for employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-employed artists who have lost upcoming employment due to the cancellation of events can apply for this scheme.

The payment involves a simple one-page application form and will be paid for a period of six weeks at a flat rate payment of €203 per week. To ensure you continue to receive the payment after that you must apply for a Jobseeker’s scheme within the six weeks.

You do not need to go to an Intreo Centre. You can apply in the following ways:

1. Download the application form for the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment from this link and return to FREEPOST, PO BOX 12896, Dublin 1; or
2. Apply for Jobseeker’s support through the online portal www.mywelfare.ie (you will need a Public Services Card); or
3. Phone 1890-800 024 or 01-2481398 and you will be sent the relevant application form for the new payment.

Applicants should keep checking their bank account as payment may issue in advance of the department formally notifying you.

An Artist Emergency Relief Fund has also been set up by the Civic Theatre in Tallaght. Find out more here.

For more information on the pandemic unemployment payment, visit www.gov.ie.