COVID 19 – Supports for cross-border workers
**COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (opens in new tab) is only paid to workers living in the Republic of Ireland. It is not available to NI residents.
Temporary layoff / shortened working hours
If your working hours have been shortened or your employer has closed temporarily due to COVID-19 you should seek support from your country of employment.
o Live north – work south (reduced working hours)>> more info on Short Time Work Support (opens in new tab)
o Live south – work north (reduced working hours) >> more info on NI Social Security for jobseekers (opens in new tab)
Wholly / Completely unemployed
If your contract of employment has completely ended you should claim unemployment benefit at home.
o Live north – work south (now completely unemployed) >> more info on NI Social Security for jobseekers (opens in new tab)
o Live south – work north (now completely unemployed) >> more info on COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (opens in new tab)
Illness payments
If you are self isolating or are too ill to go to work under EU rules illness benefits will be paid by your country of employment:
o Live north – work south >> more info on COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit (opens in new tab)
o Live south – work north >> more info on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) (opens in new tab)
More info from Government Departments:
North – Department for Communities (opens in new tab)
South – Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
