Jobseeker payments will return to the post office on a phased basis in line with the easing of Covid restrictions, the government has announced.
The changes will apply to all new jobseeker applicants before being extended to other jobseekers over the coming months.
People in receipt of social welfare were given the option of being paid into a bank account when restrictions were introduced in 2020.
Minister Heather Humphreys says that payments returning to post offices will increase footfall, as well as helping to combat social welfare fraud.
“I’m acutely conscious of the challenges that are facing the Post Office network. That’s why I’m delighted to announce the return of jobseeker payments to post offices, reflecting the arrangements that were in place pre-Pandemic,” said Minister Humphreys.
“This is a measure that I know the Irish Postmasters Union and An Post have been calling for.
“Our post offices provide essential services in communities the length and breadth of the country.
“Even throughout the Pandemic, our postmasters, postmistresses and postal staff pulled out all the stops to meet the needs of their customers.
“I believe this is the right approach to take in terms of supporting the post office network and helping to reduce social welfare fraud.”
