Jobseeker Supports
This page outlines the main social welfare payments available to people who are unemployed.
If you are unemployed you may qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) which is based on your social insurance record.
If you are unemployed you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) which is based on your weekly means.
Government Policy Statement on Labour Market Activation
The Government announced the introduction of a new National Internship Scheme as part of its Jobs Initiative, which was published on 10 May 2011. The National Internship Scheme will have 5,000 places and it will be the first initiative operated under the National Employment and Entitlements Service. The scheme became operational on 1 July 2011.
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is a weekly payment for families, including one parent families, at work on low pay. It is not subject to income tax and does not affect whether you can get a medical card.
The Work Placement Programme is a Government supported programme that brings employers and the unemployed together for a nine month work experience placement.
The provision of Tús was announced in Budget 2011 and launched by Minister Ó Cuív on 21st December 2010. The aims of Tús are to provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed and to provide certain services of benefit to communities.
On June 1st 2010, The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan T.D. announced that 6,589 training places will be made available to the unemployed under the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010. A further 5,000 places were announced on August 5th, 2010.
If you are getting a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months and take up a job for at least 30 hours a week, which you expect to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for Revenue Job Assist.
Farm Assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers. Farmers who have income from another source (such as other self-employment, insurable employment, or capital) may still qualify for a payment under the Farm Assist Scheme.
This scheme provides for continued payment, for up to 13 weeks, of increase for a qualified child (IQC), where payable at the full rate, to certain persons who have been receiving jobseeker's payments (JA/JB) for a year or more and who take up full-time employment for at least 4 weeks.
The aims of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) are to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who are currently in receipt of specified Social Welfare payments, and to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The RSS allows low-income farmers and fisherpersons who are unable to earn an adequate living from their farm holding/fishing, to earn a supplementary income.
If you are getting certain social welfare payments and you would like to become self-employed, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance lets you keep a portion of your social welfare payment for 2 years.
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme exempts employers from liability to pay their share of PRSI for certain employees for 12 months.
This scheme is for people who have been getting Jobseeker's Allowance for 15 months or more. It allows them to take up part-time work and get a Part-time Job Allowance instead of the Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The Pre-Retirement Allowance (PRETA) is for people in Ireland aged 55 and over who have left the labour force. It is means tested and you no longer have to sign-on as you do not need to be available for work. From 4 July 2007, no new applications for Pre-Retirment Allowance will be accepted. The Social Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 2006 abolishes the Pre-Retirement Allowance but existing recipients are not affected and may continue to get it.
The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) provides support to people who have lost their job and want to start their own business.
This section contains information for the Self Employed in relation to Jobseeker's Supports