As regular devotees of the Welfare Rights Section’s Out and About report will be aware, the staff like to keep readers up to date with out of office activities which generally include an insight into information fairs, presentations, discussion forums and training events that we attend.
As all such outings are on hold for what would seem to be the foreseeable future due to the pandemic crisis, the section is now focused on providing welfare information and support to the many who have suffered either a reduction, or complete loss of employment at this time. The majority of whom may never have had any experience of claiming a work-related social welfare payment.
The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (CPUP), the Short Time Work Support (STWS) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) are the main payments that the section find themselves dealing with in terms of queries, with a considerable amount of recipients inquiring as to what the process/procedure will be should they not return to, or lose employment post lockdown.
All section staff are now working remotely from home and these arrangements are expected to last for another few weeks. Despite a steep learning curve due to the circumstances, all involved displayed a willing adaptability to provide a full service and continue to do so.
“Modern” communicative tools such as Slack and Zoom have made a considerable difference to the home working environment and the Welfare Rights Section have put these to good use for the purposes of meetings/updates and fact-checking between staff.
There are, of course, many non-Covid-19 related queries to be addressed, ranging from appeals, back to education supports and disability/invalidity payments etc.
Those contacting the INOU are well aware of the workload experienced by social welfare information services and as such, have been very understanding and appreciative of any delay in replying to their queries.
As the Government and Departments constantly react to the crisis, the Welfare Rights Section will continue to keep abreast of any changes to payments/conditions and inform those who may be affected accordingly.