Advice And Gratitude From Free Now

[Rat Catcher]

Junk mail from Free Now:

Hi Stephen

With the recent introduction of level 5 restrictions throughout the country, we understand that this is an extremely tough time for taxi drivers in Ireland. We've shared some information on available government initiatives and updates from the NTA that we think might be beneficial to you during this time:
 
 
1. Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
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Self-employed taxi drivers of Ireland, can claim the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) while still earning money through working.

This means that you can receive the PUP (to a maximum of €350 a week) while continuing to earn up to €960 every 8 weeks on a rolling basis. The €960 limit is based on your gross income, before tax and PRSI, minus expenses. For more information on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and details on how to apply click here.
 
 
 
2. Covid-19 Part-Time Job Incentive
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The COVID-19 Part-Time Job Incentive is available to self-employed taxi drivers, who are in receipt of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or a Jobseeker’s payment in the week immediately prior to their application. It allows taxi drivers to earn an additional €128.60 payment per week on top of the PUP payment. For more information and to see if you’re eligible, click here.
 
 
 
3. Licence Renewal Fees 2021
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The NTA Board has now approved funding to waive standard vehicle licence renewal fees for the calendar year 2021. Please note, you will still have to renew your vehicle licence. You can find out more information here.
 
 
 
4. Maximum Permissible Age Requirements
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The NTA Board has also approved regulations that extend the maximum permissible age requirement by one extra year. You can find out more information here.
 
 
We’d like to once again thank you for your hard work during these challenging times. We hope that this information is useful to you and as always, we’ll keep you informed with any updates.
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Have a great day,
The FREE NOW Driver Team

[Rat Catcher]

Not sure what hard work they're thanking me for. I haven't worked for them since March 2020 and I don't really consider doing fuck all to save the world to be "hard work".

[vandriver]

As much as they are trying to help,point 2 is plain wrong.

[vandriver]

For anyone who cares,the part time job incentive allows you to work 24 hours in a week,with no earnings cap and collect a lower pup payment of 128 euro.
For most taxi drivers,this isn't worth a toss.

[Rat Catcher]

Don't be using 4 letter words around here.

[vandriver]

Sorry,forgot this was the Irish ex-taxi driving darts watching almost a year since I took a fare,will it even start...forum

[Rat Catcher]

To ba fair, some of our contributors never stopped working and others have drifted back... even one or two of those who were heavily critical of men working back when there was far less pressure on the health service have somehow concluded that working is now the safe, responsible option!

[Bob Shillin]

For anyone who cares,the part time job incentive allows you to work 24 hours in a week,with no earnings cap and collect a lower pup payment of 128 euro.
For most taxi drivers,this isn't worth a toss.

That's interesting, I had never seen it spelled out in that way, in fact any explanations, which I have seen, seemed to emphasise Revenue's position as being that you were not suposed to take in anymore than €960 + exs in any 2 month period. The tone of your explanation would seem to be that you have received it from the Revenue horse's mouth.

[vandriver]

There are 2 different schemes.You can either
1.Earn €960 after all expenses but before tax in an 8 week period and still collect the full pup payment....
Or,2.Sign up for the part time Covid job incentive.
You can work 24 hours a week,with no earnings cap and collect a reduced Covid payment of €128.60

[Shallowhal]

24 hrs....fuk sakes....that's only half a shift for Ken.

[john m]

Dear Coviteer
             Department of Money here .You opted for scheme 2 .We are delighted that you can earn in excess of the 940 per fortnight scheme one had on offer .We here in the Department are of the opinion that you can earn in excess of 120 over 24 that if we were to withdraw your full covid payment you could at least earn the minimum covid payment amount .It is with great pleasure that we withdraw your covid coin and release you from the shackles of restricted time (24 hours ) to go forth and earn .Your diligence in striving to earn in these desperate times is a beacon of light for others and we congratulate you for being the first of many to be removed/released from the PUP shackles .

Is Mise Lemas

Ochras O Maoillaoin

[vandriver]

You can do the maths to see which method is more advantageous but let's imagine a fictitious renter...
Expenses €300 PUP €350.
In scenario 1 Take 420 in a week (at the moment about 28 hours).You make 420-300 ie 120 plus pup of 350 makes 470 pre tax for the week.
In scenario 2 Work 24 hours(at the moment €360) Deduct your expenses 300 and add your reduced pup 128 leaves you with a pretax of 188
If your expenses were a lot less and you had some good contract that paid 35-40 an hour,scenario 2 might suit.

[Shallowhal]

You can do the maths to see which method is more advantageous but let's imagine a fictitious renter...(vandriver)
Expenses €300 PUP €350.
In scenario 1 Take 420 in a week (at the moment about 28 hours).You make 420-300 ie 120 plus pup of 350 makes 470 pre tax for the week.
In scenario 2 Work 24 hours(at the moment €360) Deduct your expenses 300 and add your reduced pup 128 leaves you with a pretax of 188
If your expenses were a lot less and you had some good contract that paid 35-40 an hour,scenario 2 might suit.

[Bob Shillin]

Say nuttin' 'til you hear more Hal.

[Shallowhal]

Say nuttin' 'til you hear more Hal.

My input was a little cheeky bob....in brackets after the fictitious renter!!