Almost 480,000 people will receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week.
Over €144 million will be paid out, and is due to land in bank accounts tomorrow.
The sector with the highest number of recipients is accommodation and food, with just under 112,000 people.
It's followed by Wholesale and Retail at more than 76,000 and Construction which has over 62,500.
Over 23,000 people closed their PUP claims in January as they returned to work.
Increase
The number of people receiving a PUP payment this week represents an increase of 4,269 (less than 1%) on the 475,364 people paid last week.
Dublin is the county with the highest number of people who are receiving PUP this week at 148,617. It is followed by Cork with 49,184, and then Galway with 25,452.
479,633 people will receive the #COVID19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week
Minister @HHumphreysFG assures people that supports such as PUP & Enhanced Illness Benefit will continue to be made available to people impacted by the Pandemic
Read more https://t.co/zKR325NIvN pic.twitter.com/dpxzoe1Uer— Department of Social Protection (@welfare_ie) February 1, 2021
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said: "The rate of new claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has decreased again this week. This demonstrates that the overall PUP numbers are starting to plateau again.
"I am pleased to see that despite the Level 5 restrictions, over 23,000 people closed their PUP claims in January as they returned to work.
"While all of these are positive signs, the worst possible thing we could do right now is drop our guard.
"By working together and adhering to the public health advice, we can drive the virus numbers down much further throughout the month of February.
"I can assure people that the supports under the Department of Social Protection, such as the PUP and Enhanced Illness Benefit, will continue to be made available to people impacted by the Pandemic."
