Working for Work : Chapter 4 : Welfare to Work

Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme

The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme means that when an employer hires additional eligible workers, they will not have to pay employer's PRSI in respect of their employment for 12 months from the date the employee is approved for the scheme. Under this scheme, employers are limited to a maximum of 5% of their existing workforce or five employees, whichever is greater. To qualify, the employee must be a person who is in receipt of one of the following payments for continuous period of at least six months: -

• Jobseeker's Benefit
• One Parent Family Payment
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Disability Allowance

OR

• On the Work Placement Programme administered by FÁS for at least three months.

The job must be new and additional to the existing work-force; be for at least 30 hours per week and last for at least six months.

For more information or to apply for the scheme contact:

Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, Department of Social Protection, Floor 2, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. LoCall: 1890 927 999

Self Employment

Self-employment can be an alternative 'return-to-work' option for many unemployed people and others receiving Social Welfare payments. While this section of Working for Work is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to starting your own business, it does offer some useful starting points.

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Community Services Programme (CSP)

The Community Services Programme aims to support the economic and social regeneration of local communities and to provide employment opportunities for the unemployed or other disadvantaged persons.

Funded organisations are required to: -

Operate on a not for profit basis

Prioritise the unemployed in their recruitment processes. As a general principle, 70% of people recruited by the project must be from specific catchment groups (as identified below)

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to participate in the Community Service Programme (CSP) persons must be:

• Unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or One Parent Family Payment
• In receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Blind Persons Pension.
• Members of the Travelling community in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance or One Parent Family Payment.
• Ex-prisoners and stabilised addicts

What about my secondary benefits?

• Qualifying grant-aided employees may be eligible to apply for Family Income Supplement (FIS).
• Persons can retain their Medical Card for the duration of the programme
• When a person takes up employment following a Community Services position they may qualify for the Back to Work Allowance. In order to do this, 50% of the qualifying period for their circumstances must have been spent in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment.
• Persons on Rent Supplement will be assessed under the new Rent Supplement Assessment (See Chapter 2) where €75 (and 25% of income over €75) is disregarded. If it is more beneficial, they can continue to be assessed under the previous rules.
• They may qualify for consideration for accommodation on the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

For further details contact POBAL at 01-240 0700.

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One parent families and Work

The One-Parent Family Payment (OPFP)

This a payment for both men and women who, for a variety of reasons, are bringing up a child, or children, without the support of a spouse or partner. To be eligible for this payment a person must be either:

• widowed (includes a person divorced from spouse prior to spouse's death and not remarried or person whose civil partnership has been dissolved prior to civil partner's death and who has not registered in a new civil partnership) -
• separated (or divorced) -
• unmarried (including one whose marriage has been annulled or civil partnership has been dissolved) or -
• a prisoner's spouse/civil partner

The One-Parent Family Payment is a means tested payment (see Chapter 1 for details of the means test) made up of a personal rate and payment for qualified children. Unlike Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit, persons on the One Parent Family Payment do not have to satisfy the Genuinely Seeking Work condition to qualify for the payment.

Key Points: -

• You cannot claim the One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) if you are cohabiting. Cohabiting means in a relationship and living with another person of the same or opposite sex.
• Do not satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition, or
• Are residing outside of Ireland. -
• If you earn up to €146.50 from employment it will not affect your One Parent Family payment, but you must inform the Department that you are working.
• If you earn between €146.50 and €425.00, you may qualify for a reduced payment. If you earn over ?425.00 per week you will continue to receive transitional half-rate payment for 6 months.
• The first €75 from employment is not counted against your Rent Supplement or Mortgage Interest Supplement. 25% of the balance is not counted. The remainder is counted euro for euro. If you take up full-time work (over 30 hours per week) you may lose your Rent Supplement.
• A disregard will apply for PRSI, Superannuation, Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSA) together with additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) to PRSA, and trade union subscriptions made by the customer.
• There is no disregard in respect of the Universal Social Charge.
• Income from employment may affect your Local Authority Rent.
• Claimants can receive the One Parent Family Tax Credit, which is double the single person's tax credit.
• If you take up full-time work (over 30 hours per week) you may be able to retain your Medical Card for up to 3 years.
• Participating on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme or a FÁS training course will reduce your One Parent Family Payment, but will increase your income. Your Rent Supplement/Mortgage Interest Supplement could also be affected.
• If you are employed for 19 or more hours per week (or 38 or more hours per fortnight), and your income is below a certain limit for your family size you can apply for the Family Income Supplement (FIS)

Changes to the payment from April 2011

New Applicants

From April 2011 all new applicants for the One Parent Family Payment will only be paid the One Parent Family Payment until the youngest child reaches the age of 14. When the youngest child reaches 14 the One Parent Family Payment will stop completely.

Where the person no longer qualifies for a One Parent Family Payment they may be able to seek an alternative Social Welfare payment, subject to satisfying the qualifying conditions of the particular payment/scheme. If unemployed they can apply for either Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit. If unfit for work they can apply for Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension. If providing care they can apply for Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit.

Existing Recipients

Those in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment before April 2011, will continue to be paid until the youngest child is 18, or 22 if in full time education.

For those already in receipt of payment before the changes come into effect payment of OPFP will cease when the youngest child reaches the following age:

2012 - payment stops when youngest child reaches 18 2013 - payment stops when youngest child reaches 17 2014 - payment stops when youngest child reaches 16 2015 - payment stops when youngest child reaches 15 2016 - payment stops when youngest child reaches 14 Transition period for existing customers Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Age of youngest child U-18 U-18 U-17 U-16 U-15 U-14

Those in receipt of payment who have their payment stopped because of finding employment or returning to education under BTEA can return to the payment on the basis of the above age limits.

Special arrangements apply to those in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance and to parents who have been recently bereaved.

Earnings Disregard from employment

If a person's gross weekly earnings are less than €425 they can make a claim, for the One Parent Family Payment. Deductions are allowed for PRSI, pension payments, and trade union subscriptions. The first €146.50 of weekly income is disregarded and the balance is divided by two. The deciding officer will then compare this figure to a means band chart to get the actual means that will be assessed. The new rate of payment is calculated by using the sliding payment scale as listed in the Department of Social Protection rate book (SW19). Means from all sources including insurable employment are assessed.

If a person has been claiming OPFP for 52 consecutive weeks or more and their earnings increase above €425 a week they may be entitled to half rate OPFP for 26 weeks and then the payment will stop completely.

Revenue Job Assist:

This is an additional tax allowance available for One Parent Families where the claimant is returning to employment. An extra tax allowance can be claimed for each qualifying child. The tax allowance can be claimed for 3 tax years and may begin with either the tax year in which the employment commences or the following tax year. Contact the INOU for further information.

Maintenance:

A person who claims One-Parent Family Payment is required to seek maintenance from her/his spouse or the other parent of the child. Maintenance payments are assessed as means. Vouched housing costs of up to €95.23 per week for rent or mortgage may be offset against maintenance payments. Half of the remaining balance of any maintenance payment will be assessed as means in establishing the rate of One-Parent Family Payment due.

Reduced Hours or Pay:

If you have been working full-time and your employer reduces the number of days you work because of a downturn in business, you may be entitled to an increase in the rate of payment on your One Parent Family Payment. To get an increase in your One-Parent Family Payment send a current payslip (showing your reduced pay) with a letter from your employer, confirming your new work situation, to the Social Welfare Local Office dealing with your claim.

Family Income Supplement (FIS):

If you are employed for 19 or more hours per week (or 38 or more hours per fortnight), and your income is below a certain limit for your family size you can apply for the Family Income Supplement (FIS). Your wages and One Parent Family Payment will be treated as means in deciding if you have any entitlement to FIS.

Medical Card:

You may be able to retain your medical card for up to 3 years if you return to full-time or part-time work while in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment - contact the INOU for more information.

Income from Self-Employment:

If your gross earnings are below €425 per week, minus allowable expenses (PRSI, pension payments, and trade union subscriptions), you will retain some/part of your One Parent Family Payment.

Habitual Residence Condition:

Persons applying for the One Parent Family Payment must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. From May 2005, EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss nationals who are employed or self-employed in Ireland and paying into the Irish Social Insurance System - or who are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit at the time of making their OPFP claim - will automatically satisfy the habitual residence condition. Contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 for more information.

 

One Parent Family Payment and Working Jane is a lone parent with one child receiving a One Parent Family Payment of €217.80, who finds work paying €220 per week. Her new rate of One Parent Family Payment is calculated as follows: Jane's gross earnings €220.00 Less disregarded - €146.50 Total €73.50 Divided by 2 €36.75 Jane's weekly OPFP rate ?217.80 Less Means deducted for ?36.75 (valued at ?30) = ?30.00 New weekly rate ?187.80 Jane's gross earnings ?220.00 Plus revised One Parent Family Payment rate + ?187.80 Total household income €407.80

 

Losing your One Parent Family Payment

Employment:

In some instances recipients of the OPFP will no longer qualify for the payment because of the amount of their earnings from employment. If you earn over €425.00 per week you will receive a half-rate payment for 6 months and your payment will stop.

No Qualified Children:

If you do not have at least one qualified child under the age of 18 (unless in full-time education in 2011), or up to age 14 for new claimants from April 2011, you will no longer receive a One Parent Family Payment. There is no 'replacement' payment for the One Parent Family Payment. If you are unemployed you may apply for a Jobseeker's Allowance payment, if you are ill or incapable of work you may apply for Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension subject to meeting other qualifying conditions.

Married or Co-habiting:

You will not qualify for payment of the One Parent Family Payment if you are co-habiting or living as part of a couple of same or opposite sex. Your entitlement to the payment will stop as and from the date of marriage/remarriage or date registered in a civil partnership or date registered of a new civil partnership following dissolution of a civil partnership.

 

 

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Back to Work Allowance (BTWA)

This scheme is closed to new applicants since 1/5/2009. Participants currently on the scheme will continue under the same conditions.

People participating in this scheme keep a percentage of their social welfare payment along with "secondary benefits" for a period of up to three years. The percentage of your payment you keep is called the Back to Work Allowance. The Back to Work Allowance part of your income is not subject to taxation or social insurance (PRSI).

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Illness Benefit / Invalidity Payment and Work

People in receipt of Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are allowed to participate in approved 'rehabilitative' work and retain their payment.

Rehabilitative Work

• You must be in receipt of Illness Benefit for at least 6 months before you can apply to the Department of Social Protection for an exemption to engage in rehabilitative employment.
• You do not have to be in receipt of Invalidity Pension for a specific amount of time in order to apply for an exemption to engage in rehabilitative work.

Assessment of Earnings from Rehabilitative Work

Income from rehabilitative work does not affect payment on either Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension payments.

Limits on Hours Worked

You can work for up to 20 hours per week while in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity pension. If you work for more than 20 hours per week your payment could be suspended. You will not qualify for payment of Illness Benefit or Invalidity pension if you engage in full-time employment.

Tax and Income from Employment

If you are getting Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit and take up rehabilitative work you can keep your payment in full, but you may have to pay income tax on your total income - that is your social welfare payment and your income from employment.

Community Employment (CE)

Persons on Invalidity Pension and Illness Benefit are allowed to participate on Community Employment (CE). Income from rehabilitative work under the Community Employment (CE) will not affect any Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit payment, but you may have to pay tax on your total income - social welfare payment plus Community Employment payment.

FÁS Training Courses

Persons on Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are allowed to participate on FÁS Training Courses. The recipient will continue to receive their Illness Benefit/Invalidity Pension payment in addition to the standard FÁS Training Allowance. You may have to pay income tax on your total income - that is your social welfare payment and your income from the FÁS Training Allowance.

Secondary Benefits and Working

Secondary Benefits, such as Fuel Allowance, Rent Supplement, Household Benefits Package and Medical Card, Free Fuel etc., may be affected by part-time rehabilitative work including participation on Community Employment (CE) and FÁS Training Courses. Please check with the INOU (01) 856 0088 for further information.

Illness Benefit/Invalidity Pension and spouse/civil partner/cohabitant Working

If your spouse or partner works, is engaged in self-employment or has an income from a course of training or education, that income will not affect your payment. However, if you are receiving a Qualified Adult payment for your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant any earnings over €100 your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant has will affect the Qualified Adult payment you receive for them. If your adult dependant is earning between €100 and €310 you will get a reduced-rate Qualified Adult payment. If your Qualified Adult is earning more than €310 you will not receive any payment for them.

Illness Benefit/Invalidity Pension and Maintenance

Receiving maintenance while on Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension will not affect your payment, but may affect other Secondary Benefits.

Family Income Supplement (FIS)

If a person on Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension engages in approved rehabilitative work (not including Community Employment) for more than 19 hours per week s/he may apply for the weekly tax-free Family Income Supplement payment (see FIS in this Chapter). Please note that FIS is not payable together with Illness Benefit. If a person qualifies for both they can chose the most financially beneficial payment to them.

Employment Supports for Persons with Disabilities

Employers wishing to employ persons with disabilities may take advantage of the following supports:

Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)

This scheme, operated by FÁS, provides financial incentives to employers, outside the public sector, to employ disabled people who work more than 20 hours per week.

A person on the Wage Subsidy Scheme is subject to the same conditions of employment as other employees. These conditions include PRSI contributions, annual leave, tax deductions and the going rate for the job.

Subsidies available through this scheme are structured under 3 separate strands and employers can benefit under one or all, simultaneously.

Strand I subsidy is a general subsidy for any perceived productivity shortfall in excess of 20% for a disabled person, in comparison to a non disabled peer. An employee must work a minimum of 21 hours per week up to a maximum of 39 hours per week. The rate of subsidy is €5.30 per hour and is based on the number of hours worked, giving a total annual subsidy available of €10,748 per annum based on a 39 hour week.

Strand 2 applies where a company employs more than two disabled people. The company can avail of a grant to cover the additional supervisory, management and other work based costs. This top-up is based on the overall number of disabled employees employed and will range on a sliding scale from an additional 10% of wage subsidy for 3 to 6 disabled employees to a maximum of 50% of wage subsidy for 23+ disabled employees.

Strand 3 is where an employer employs 30 or more disabled workers. The employer can avail of a grant of €30,000 per annum towards the expense of employing an Employment Assistance Officer.

This programme is not available to the Public Sector as defined by the Disability Act 2005.

Supported Employment Programme (SEP)

The Supported Employment Programme provides additional assistance for disabled persons to find and obtain employment. Support is provided through a range of organisations and included among the supports are Job Coaches who assist disabled persons and their employers.

Supported Employment has four main phases:

• Phase A: A needs assessment
• Phase B: Job sourcing and development
• Phase C: Matching the jobseeker with a suitable employer --
• Phase D: Aftercare and follow-up

There are a range of grants available for people with disabilities and employers including:

Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant: This scheme is paid to assist employers to make the workplace more accessible to persons with disabilities. It is also available to self-employed people with disabilities. This grant is restricted to the private sector and the maximum award is normally ?6,348.70. This scheme is administered by FÁS and applications should be made at your local FÁS office.

Job Interview Interpreter Grant: Under its Job Interview Interpreter Grant Scheme FÁS will normally pay a set fee for a three hour period to provide for the services of an interpreter to support speech or hearing impaired persons who wish to attend job interviews. Travel costs for the interpreter are paid at a fixed rate.

Personal Reader Grant: The Personal Reader Grant (PRG) enables blind or partially sighted people to employ a personal reader to assist them with work related reading. A fee per hour in line with the national minimum wage can be made for a maximum of 640 hours per annum.

Contact your local FÁS office or Local Employment Service (LES) for further information on these supports. Alternatively consult the Disability Portal on the FÁS website at www.fas.ie

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Jobseekers - Seperate Payments and Spousal Swap

It may be possible for Qualified Adults to participate on certain schemes using a 'spousal swap'. This literally means that the Main Claimants entitlement to participate in these schemes is transferred or 'swapped' with the Qualified Adult, swapping positions/status to access the scheme.

In effect the Main Claimant would become the Qualified Adult on the scheme, while the Qualified Adult would become the Main Claimant on the relevant scheme.

This can apply to:

• Community Employment
• Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
• Back to Education Allowance
• Rural Social Scheme

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Employer Incentives to Recruit Unemployed People

Research has shown that unemployed people who return to the workplace do so with a high degree of motivation and commitment to their jobs. If an employer is thinking of employing new staff, they may not be aware of the range of incentives and services available when recruiting unemployed people. A number of incentives have been established which can support an employer in the creation and development of jobs. It can prove useful for both unemployed people and employers to be aware of the benefits of these incentives.

Revenue Job Assist Scheme

The Revenue Job Assist Scheme offers an employer financial incentives to recruit unemployed people through tax savings.

Employers may claim a double deduction in calculating their taxable income on:

• Qualifying employees' wages, and
• Employer's PRSI contributions for qualifying employees

This means that double the amount of the wages of a qualifying employee and double the amount of the employer's PRSI contribution for that employee can be deducted by the employer from the company's taxable income

• These deductions can be claimed for up to 3 years
• There is no limit on the number of qualifying employees an employer can take on under the scheme, providing they take up qualifying jobs.

For more information on the Revenue Job Assist Scheme contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 or see the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie

Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme

The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme means that when an employer hires additional eligible workers, they will not have to pay employer's PRSI in respect of their employment for 12 months form the date the employee is approved for the scheme. Under this scheme, employers are limited to a maximum of 5% of their existing workforce or five employees, whichever is greater. To qualify, the employee must be a person who is in receipt of one of the following payments for continuous period of at least six months: -

• Jobseeker's Benefit
• One Parent Family Payment
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Disability Allowance

OR -

On the Work Placement Programme administered by FÁS for at least three months.

The job must: -

• Be new and additional -
• Be for at least 30 hours a week -
• Last for at least six months

For more information or to apply for the scheme contact: Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, Department of Social Protection, floor 2, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. LoCall: 1890 927 999

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Part-time work and Jobseekers Benefit

If you are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit you can work for up to three days a week and continue to receive payment for the days you are unemployed, provided you continue to satisfy the normal qualifying conditions for JB (See Chapter 1 for more information on Jobseeker's Benefit). You will not be paid JB for the days you are employed, but your earnings from employment will not affect your remaining Jobseeker's Benefit payment. Sunday is not considered a day of employment, so if you work on a Sunday you will not lose a portion of your weekly Jobseeker's Benefit payment for this day.

Self Employment:

You can engage in self-employment while in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, for up to 3 days per week. Due to the nature of self-employment it can be difficult to quantify or measure the amount of time or effort involved in the operation or management of your own business. You cannot pursue self-employment as a full-time option while in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, and must continue to satisfy the 'Genuinely Seeking Work' requirements of payment. If you fail to Genuinely Seek Work or fail to provide evidence, to the satisfaction of the Department, of your efforts to seek employment your payment can be disallowed.

If you wish to pursue self-employment as a full-time option you can apply for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance through the Department of Social Protection.

Reduced Hours or Pay:

If you have been working full-time and your employer reduces the number of days you work because of a downturn in business, you may be able to make a claim Jobseeker's Benefit for the days that you are unemployed. See Reduced Hours or Pay (Short-time and Lay off) in Chapter 2.

Spouse Working:

If your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant works while you are in receipt of JB their earnings from employment will not affect your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit. However, their earnings from employment, self-employment and any capital/savings or other assessable income, will be assessed to determine if you qualify to continue to receive payment of a Qualified Adult for them or any Qualified Child payment.

Education Options:

You cannot attend full-time education while in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, unless you participate in the Back to Education Allowance scheme or other approved scheme. You can engage in part-time education, as long as you continue to satisfy the Genuinely Seeking Working requirements (see Chapter 1).

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Work and Secondary Benefits

A person who is working part-time may qualify for a reduced payment in the following schemes - Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit, One Payment Family Payment, Disability Allowance and Carer's Allowance. A reduced payment may also apply for a Qualified Adult on a person's claim.

Each scheme has its own conditions as to how it treats the number of hours/days worked and how money earned from working is assessed. Secondary benefits may be affected by income from working.

Rent and Mortgage Interest Supplement

Working under 30 hours per week

If you receive a Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement and take-up part-time work (under 30 hours) the first €75 of your wages will not be counted as means against your payment. In addition, 25% of income over that €75 is not counted, but the remaining 75% of the income is counted against the Rent/Mortgage Supplement.

Example: Income from work = €150

Step 1: disregard the first €75 = balance counted €75

Step 2: then disregard 25% of balance = €18.75 (€75 - 25%)

Step 3: total disregard = €93.75 (€75 + €18.75).

Assessable Income = €56.25 (€150 - €93.75).

 

Reduced Social Welafare payment: If a person is on a reduced basic Social Welfare payment the additional income disregard is applied to income in excess of the basic SWA rate appropriate to your family size.

Working Over 30 hours per week

You will not normally qualify for a Rent Supplement if you work over 30 hours per week (full-time employment), unless you are assessed as 'in need of housing' under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) through the local authority.

Once on the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), recipients rent will be calculated using the Differential Rent Schemes operated by their Local Authorities

Maintenance and Rent Supplement

Maintenance is assessed as additional household income and the household income disregard is used to find out how much of your maintenance is taken into account as means.

For example, if your only additional income is maintenance, all of your maintenance payment up to €95.23 per week is assessed in full. The next €75, which is any maintenance between €95.23 and €170.23, is not taken into account. 25% of all maintenance over €170.23 is taken into account.

Medical Card

If you have been receiving an unemployment payment or a One Parent Family Payment for 12 months or more you can take a full-time job and keep your Medical Card for three years. The amount you earn from work will not affect your entitlement to keep your medical card.

If you take up full-time employment you will retain your medical card for 3 years from the date you start work. If you take up part-time employment the three-year period starts from the date your income exceeds the relevant medical card guideline

If you have not been receiving an unemployment payment or a One Parent Family Payment for 12 months or more and take up part-time employment your entitlement to a 'full' medical card may be affected by your income. If you are not entitled to a 'full' medical card you may be entitled to the GP Visit Card. See Chapter 2 for more information on the Medical Card.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA)

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps towards the cost of uniforms and footwear for school children. The scheme operates from 1st June to 30th September each year. This is a means tested payment and income from the following sources will be taken into consideration - full-time or part-time employment, the Back to Work Allowance scheme, Community Employment (CE), Job Initiative (JI), the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance, Revenue Job Assist and the Community Services Programme.

Fuel Allowance

You will continue to qualify for a Fuel Allowance as long as you continue to receive some of your Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance or Carer's Allowance or living with other people getting one of the qualifying payments who would also be eligible for a Fuel Allowance in their own right.

If you are in receipt of a non-means tested payment (i.e. State Contributory Pension, State Pension (Transition), Widow/er's Contributory Pension, Blind Pension or Invalidity Pension) and receive a Fuel Allowance, any assessable income of up to €100 generated by either you, or any member of your household, will not be counted. If you have a combined assessable income of more than €100 you may not qualify for the Fuel Allowance.

Other Considerations

The following are not strictly Secondary Benefits. However, the impact of employment on Local Authority Differential Rents and on access to SWA payments is often a consideration for persons in receipt of welfare payments in making the transition from Welfare to Work.

Local Authority Rent

Local Authority Rent - Differential Rent Scheme

Local authority rents are related to a percentage of household income. Therefore any increase in the household income could result in an increase in rent payable to the local authority.

Exceptional or Urgent Needs Payments (SWA)

Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP's)

This payment is not normally available to persons in full-time employment. Persons participating in Back to Education or Back to Work schemes may apply.

Urgent Needs Payment (UNP)

This is a special payment available to all persons to meet an Urgent Need, for example, arising from a fire or flood - see Chapter 2 for details. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment.

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Re-qualifiying for Jobseekers Benefit

If you engage in part-time work while in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit you may re-qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit if you: -

• Have used up your full entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit on your current claim -
• Have paid 13 class A PRSI contributions (i.e. worked for 13 weeks in insurable employment) after you have claimed Jobseeker's Benefit for more than 156 days -
• Satisfy all other statutory conditions (see Chapter 1).

If you are a part-time or systematic short-time worker you are specifically required to have suffered a 'substantive loss of employment' in order to re-qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit. The Department will look at your pattern of employment over the last 13 weeks or another representative period to find out whether you have suffered a substantial loss of employment. For the purposes of re-qualifying for JB the Department of Social Protection define Systematic short-time and Part-time employment as follows:

Systematic short-time employment occurs when an employee normally works full-time in a firm but because of a temporary reduction of work in the business, his or her hours per week are reduced for a temporary period.

Part-time employment occurs when an employee normally works full-time in a firm but because of a temporary reduction of work in the business, his or her hours per week are reduced and there is no expectation that they will return to full-time employment.

Casual workers can also seek to re-qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit under these conditions. Casual workers are not required to have suffered a substantive loss of employment to re-qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit, but must meet all other statutory conditions. While there is no definition of 'casual employees' in employment law in Ireland, for the purposes of re-qualifying for Jobseeker's Benefit casual employment can generally be defined as follows:

Casual employment occurs when an employee has irregular hours of work, with no set pattern of hours or days and is called upon to work as and when required. For more information on re-qualifying for Jobseeker's Benefit contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088.

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Employment and Self-Employment Supports

A number of schemes exist to support long-tem unemployed people and those in receipt of other payments (One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, etc.) to return to work.

Work Placement Programme

This programme has been introduced to bring employers and the unemployed together for a nine month work experience placement. It allows you to apply your skills and gain valuable experience in a workplace setting, enhancing your prospects of getting a job in the future. If you are unemployed and have not secured paid work, the programme allows you to apply your existing skills and gain new competencies and valuable experience in a workplace setting.

To apply to join this programme you must be registered with FÁS, and record an 'expression of interest' in joining the programme. You can do this at any local FÁS Employment Office, or Local Employment Service (LES) Office.

If you are already registered with FÁS you can record your 'expression of interest' over the phone by calling Freephone 1800 611 116 or direct call 046 9738000.

Who is Eligible?

The Work Placement Programme is open to both Graduates and Non Graduates. Anyone who is unemployed is eligible to apply for the Work Placement Programme. There are two streams in the Work Placement Programme.

Stream 1

In Stream 1 there are 1,000 places for graduates. To be eligible for Stream 1 of the Work Placement Programme you must: - Have been awarded a qualification at level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications, in 2009 or earlier. - Be unemployed. You do not have to be getting a social welfare payment.

Stream 2

In Stream 2 there are 1,000 places for unemployed people, with 250 of these places reserved for those aged under 34. To be eligible for Stream 2 of the Work Placement Programme you must be unemployed. You do not have to be getting a social welfare payment.

• You do not have to be a graduate, but graduates can apply.

If you are an unemployed graduate with a level 7 qualification you can apply for both the graduate placement (WPPI) and the non-graduate placements (WPP2) Otherwise, you can apply for all non-graduate placements (WPP2).

Do I get paid?

No. The placement is unpaid and voluntary. However, if you are already in receipt of certain social welfare payments, you may be allowed to retain your payment while on a placement.

• People who are not getting a social welfare payment, or who are on a payment for less than 3 months, are eligible to take part, but will not be paid while on the programme.

Keeping your social welfare payment

If you are already getting a social welfare payment, you must notify the Department of Social Protection that you are starting a placement, as this changes your status. If you are getting a qualifying social welfare payment for at least 3 months, you may be able to keep your payment while on the Work Placement Programme. You must first receive the approval of the Department of Social Protection. Arrangements have been made to allow participants on the Work Placement Programme to sign on by post if they are claiming Jobseeker's payments.

The qualifying payments are: -

Jobseeker's Allowance

Jobseeker's Benefit

Disability Allowance

Blind Pension

Invalidity Pension

Illness Benefit

One-Parent Family Payment

If you are getting Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit you will need written approval from the Department of Social Protection to do rehabilitative work before you can apply for the Work Placement Programme.

If you are on Illness Benefit you must be getting a social welfare payment for six months before you can apply for the programme.

How many places are available on Work Placement?

The Work Placement Programme was expanded in 2010 to provide an additional 5,000 places in the public service and a further 500 placements for graduates in the private sector. The total number of places available on the Work Placement Programme is:

 

Sector WPP Stream No of places Private Sector WPP 1 (Graduate) 1,500 Private Sector WPP 2 (Non-Graduate) 1,000 Public Sector WPP 1 and WPP 2 (Graduate and Non-Graduate) 5,000 TOTAL 7,500

 

For further information on the Work Placement Programme (WPP) and to view placements visit the FÁS website www.fas.ie or drop into your local FÁS Employment Services Office.

Tús - Community Work Placement Initative

The Tús initiative is a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. The work opportunities are to benefit the community and are to be provided by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural areas. The Tús initiative is managed by local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta for the Department of Social Protection, which has overall responsibility for the scheme.

5,000 places in the Tús scheme will become available during 2011. Unemployed people who are eligible to participate in the scheme will be selected and contacted by the Department of Social Protection

Working conditions

Participants will work for 19.5 hours a week and the placement lasts 12 months. They will receive the same statutory annual leave and public holiday entitlement as other employees. When the placement finishes, they should sign on again with their local social welfare office. They cannot participate in the Tús scheme again for 3 years

To be eligible to participate in the Tús scheme you must: -

• Have been continuously unemployed for at least 12 months and "signing on" on a full-time basis; and -
• Have been receiving a jobseeker's payment (Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance) from the Department of Social Protection for at least 12 months; and -
• Be currently receiving Jobseeker's Allowance.

Unlike other schemes where people have to apply for a place, the DSP will identify potential participants who will be contacted by their social welfare local office and offered a placement on the Tús scheme. They will be referred to their local development company or Udaras na Gaeltachta and will be recruited when a suitable place becomes available.

Payment while participating on Tús

Participants on Tús will receive the full Jobseeker's Allowance rate plus €20 a week. Participants aged under 25 will be paid the maximum rate of Jobseeker's Allowance plus €20.

 

Personal rate €208.00 Qualified Adult rate €124.80 Qualified Child: full-rate €29.80 Qualified Child: half-rate €14.90

 

Participants will retain any secondary benefits and the medical card provided they are still eligible.

Selection process

Unemployed people who are eligible for the scheme will be identified and contacted by their social welfare local office and offered the opportunity to participate in the scheme.

If they agree to participate in the Tús scheme they will be referred to their local development company or Údarás na Gaeltachta where they will be recruited for a suitable placement when it becomes available. You can read more about the selection process on the Department of Social Protection website at www.welfare.ie

As there are only a limited number of places available on the scheme, not all eligible unemployed people will be contacted.

Refusal of work placement

Under the National Employment Action Plan someone getting Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) is required to take up work opportunities such as the offer of a Tús work placement. If they refuse a work opportunity without good reason, they may have their social welfare payment reduced or terminated. If, following a refusal of a placement, someone's payment is reduced or terminated they may appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals office within 21 days.

Other work

Participants on Tús can take up other employment provided it does not interfere with the work and times of the Tús work placement. If participants are offered alternative work or training they may terminate their work placement contract if they wish.

• The Tús payment is taxable but the amount payable depends on individual circumstances. Class A PRSI contributions will be paid for all participants.
• Participants on the Tús scheme are exempt from the Universal Social Charge.

National Internship Scheme

A new National Internship Scheme will provide work experience opportunities for 5,000 unemployed people. The scheme is expected to start on 1 July 2011 and is aimed at those who have been either getting a jobseeker's payment or signing for credits for at least 3 months. Participants in the scheme will be offered an internship of between 6 and 9 months with a host organisation. Under this scheme, if they take up an internship they will keep their social welfare payment and will get an extra €50 per week.

To apply you must complete an expression of interest form. Once you have submitted your form you will receive an acknowledgment. When the scheme commences you will be contacted and advised on how you can advertise your internship opportunity. See www.fas.ie for more information.

Gradlink

The Gradlink programme, which is operated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) offers internships to provide work experience for recent graduates. The programme is designed to assist graduates to improve their skills during the current downturn - see 'How to apply' below.

The Department of Social Protection has announced that participants on the Gradlink programme will be treated similarly to graduates participating in the FÁS Work Placement Programme in retaining social welfare benefits.

When applying for an internship you should check the list on the Gradlink website www.ibec.ie/Sectors/GIP/GradLink.nsf . When you have identified a suitable internship you should send your CV directly to the company using the email address or contact point listed.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Carer's Payments and Work

Persons who are looking after someone who is in need of support because of age, physical or learning disability, or illness (including mental illness) may qualify for a Carers Payment. Persons in receipt of a Carers payment may work part-time.

Carers Payments and Working

Persons in receipt of Carers Allowance and Carers Benefit can engage in part-time employment or self-employment and continue to receive a Carers payment. The carer must have permission from the Department of Social Protection before taking up any work.

The following is allowed, if during the carers absence, adequate provision of care has been arranged for the person being cared for: -

• voluntary or community work for up to 15 hours a week -
• paid part-time as a Home Help for the Health Service Executive for up to 15 hours a week (your earnings will not be assessed as means), -
• limited self-employment in your own home (any earnings will be assessed as means) -
• employment outside your home for up to 15 hours a week (any earnings will be assessed as means) -
• education or training courses up to 15 hours per week. -
• for Carer's Benefit you cannot earn more than €332.50 per week from employment

Carer's Allowance (CA)

Carer's Allowance is a means tested payment that can be paid to carers on low incomes who look after people who need full-time care and attention. If you are looking after more than one person you may be entitled to an additional 50% of the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance each week. If you qualify for the Allowance, you will also qualify for the free Household Benefits Package (Electricity/Natural Gas/Bottled Gas allowances/Free TV licence/Free Telephone rental allowance) and a Free Travel pass.

There is no Qualified Adult payment with the Carers Allowance.

Carer's Allowance Means Test

The means test for the Carer's Allowance involves assessing your income from savings, investments, property (excluding your home) and your spouse/civil partner/cohabitants income. For a single person claiming the Carer's Allowance the amount of weekly income that is not taken into account is €332.50. For married couples, civil partners or cohabitants, (except for social welfare payments from other states, to which special rules apply) the first €665 of their combined weekly income is disregarded.

Carer's Allowance and other Social Welfare payments

If you are getting certain social welfare payments and you are providing full time care and attention to another person, you can keep your main social welfare payment and get half-rate Carer's Allowance as well. If you were getting another social welfare payment before claiming Carer's Allowance, you may get your original payment reinstated and also get half-rate Carer's Allowance.

If you are getting Carer's Allowance and subsequently become entitled to another payment, you can claim the other payment and get half your rate of Carer's Allowance - but only if the other payment is a qualifying payment for half-rate Carer's Allowance.

Half-rate Carer's Allowance is not payable with the following Social Welfare Payments - Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Family Income Supplement, Back to work Allowance, Back to Education Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Contact the INOU for more information on (01) 856 0088.

Carer's Allowance and FÁS training courses

A training bonus of €20 per week is payable to person's in receipt of Carer's Allowance for 12 months or more prior to participating on a FÁS training course.

Carer's Allowance and Qualified Adult payment

If you are being claimed for as a Qualified Adult on your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant's social welfare payment and you are providing full time care to another person, you may apply for half-rate Carer's Allowance and your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant may retain the full Qualified Adult payment for you on their Social Welfare payment.

Carer's Benefit (CB)

Carer's Benefit is the payment made to insured people who leave the work place to care for a person or persons in need of full time care and attention. To qualify you must satisfy a number of conditions including:

• You satisfy the PRSI Contribution requirements -
• You have been in employment for at least 8 weeks in the previous 26 weeks before becoming a carer. You must have worked for a minimum of 16 hours per week or 32 hours per fortnight.
• You give up work to be a full-time Carer (but still allowed to take up employment/self-employment/training/education for up to 15 hours per week with the approval of the Department of Social Protection)

Carer's Benefit can be paid for a total of 104 weeks for each person being cared for.

Carers Benefit in a non-means tested payment, meaning that any savings, investments or property other than your own home is not assessed, but if you engage in employment you may not earn more than €332.50 per week.

Carer's Benefit and other Social Welfare payments

You cannot claim Carers Benefit and another Social Welfare payment at the same time. There is no half-rate or reduced rate of Carers Benefit payable with any other Social Welfare payment.

Carer's Benefit and Carers Leave from Work

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 allows employees to leave their employment temporarily to provide full-time care for someone in need of full-time care and attention. Carers Leave is unpaid leave. The minimum period of leave is 13 weeks and the maximum period is 104 weeks.

• Carers leave is unpaid leave from employment.
• You do not have to qualify for Carers Benefit to apply for Carers Leave
• You must have been in employment with your employer for 12 months or more to apply for Carers Leave
• You must give your employer at least 6 week's notice of your intention to take carer's leave

You cannot be dismissed for exercising your right to carer's leave.

If you are on carer's leave, you must give notice in writing to your employer 4 weeks before the date you will return to work, that you intend to return to work. You are to be treated as if you had been in work during your period of carer's leave except that you are not entitled to pay while on Carers Leave. You are only entitled to annual leave and public holidays in respect of the first 13 weeks of carer's leave.

For more information on Carers Benefit and Carers Leave contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Jobseekers Benefit and Qualified Adult is Working

The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of a person in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment is referred to as a Qualified Adult. A Qualified Adult may take up either full-time or part-time employment while their partner is in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment. A Qualified Adult is not subject to the genuinely seeking work condition that applies to the claimant. There is no restriction on the number of hours or days that a Qualified Adult may work. While the amount of hours/days the Qualified Adult works will not affect the Jobseeker's payment the amount of money the Qualified Adult earns may affect the family's rate of payment. -

• Married couples and co-habiting couples are assessed in the same way by the Department of Social Protection. Married couples and co-habiting couples are treated differently by the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes.

Jobseeker's Benefit and Qualified Adult Working

The rates of payment for Jobseeker's Benefit are linked to the claimant's average weekly earnings in employment. This also applies to the Qualified Adult payment on Jobseeker's Benefit. Where the main claimants average weekly earnings were: -

• Less than €300 per week, the Qualified Adult payment is €80.90 per week
• €300 or more per week, the Qualified Adult payment is €124.80 per week

Qualified Adult in Employment - (PRSI Class A employee)

If you are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit and your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant (Qualified Adult) works their gross earnings will be counted as follows (please note PRSI, pension payments and union subscriptions are not deducted from the gross): -

• spouse/civil partner/cohabitant earns up to and including €100.00 a week - Jobseeker's Benefit Claimant will receive a full Qualified Adult payment
• spouse/civil partner/cohabitant earns between €100.01 and €310.00 per week - Jobseeker's Benefit Claimant will receive a tapered* Qualified Adult rate in their payment.
• Gross earnings over €310. A Qualified Adult payment is no longer payable.

Qualified Adult Self-employed - (PRSI Class S)

If you are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit and your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant (Qualified Adult) is engaged in Self-employment their earnings will be assessed as follows: -

• Earnings are assessed as gross income less work related expenses over 12 months. -
• Expected annual earnings from self-employment is divided by 52 to find your spouse/civil partner/cohabitants weekly means from self-employment. -
• 'Drawings' taken from the business is not an allowable expense. -
• If the 'drawings' from the business are greater than the level of income calculated, the 'drawings' are assessed as cash income.

There is no exhaustive list of all expenses allowed because expenses vary with the nature and extent of the self-employment. However a full list is available from the Department of Social Protection www.welfare.ie

The Department of Social Protection may request copies of your partner's audited business accounts for the most recent trading year in addition to other documentation. If you fail to provide this information your application for Jobseeker's Allowance cannot be processed.

Qualified Adult - Working 3 days Liz, a mother of two children, is a qualified adult on her partner Tom's Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) claim. Tom receives €372.40 JA on behalf of the family. Liz finds three days part-time insurable work. Her assessable earnings after the allowable deductions are €120. The family's new rate of JA is calculated as follows: Current Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) Family rate: €372.40 - Liz's earnings (3 days at €40 per day): €120.00 - 3 day disregard (€20 per day x 3 days): €60.00 - Liz's Assessable income after disregard: (€120 - €60) €60.00 - Assess 60% of net remainder (€60 assessed at 60%) €36.00 - New JA rate (€372.40 - €36 assessable earnings): €336.40 - Plus Liz's earnings €120.00 New Household Income: (reduced JA + net Wages) €456.40

 

Qualified Adult - Working 5 days John and Mary have two children and have a family JA rate of €372.40. Mary finds work over five days. Her assessable earnings after allowable deductions are €200. Their new JA rate is decided as follows. - Current Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) Family rate: €372.40 - Mary's earnings (5 days at €40 per day): €200.00 - Less disregard (only allowed for 3 days at €20 per day) €60.00 - Mary's Assessable income after disregard (€200 - €60): €140.00 - Assess 60% of remainder (€140 assessed at 60%) €84.00 - New JA rate (€372.40 - €84.00 assessable earnings) €288.40 - Plus Mary's earnings €200.00 New household income (reduced Jobseeker's Allowance + net Wages) €488.40

 

Family Income Supplement (FIS)

If your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working and you are claiming a Qualified Adult increase on your Jobseeker's payment for him/her your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant can opt to apply for FIS instead if the FIS payment is more than the Qualified Adult increase. However, people receiving Jobseeker's Allowance and working cannot claim FIS.

Options for Qualified Adults (QA's)

There are a number of additional options available to the Qualified Adults of persons in receipt of Jobseeker's payments. If a spouse or partner is receiving a Qualified Adult payment on a Jobseeker's payment claim the Qualified Adult is not subject to the Genuinely Seeking Work condition and there is no restriction on the number of hours/days worked by the Qualified Adult. -

• Both partners claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JA)
• Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) when spouse/civil partner/cohabitant working
• Claiming Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JA)
• Separate Payments - equitable access -
• Spousal Swap - Access to other schemes

Income from any employment may affect their partner's Jobseeker's Allowance payment, but would not affect their partner's payment if they are receiving a Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) payment.

Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) - Both Adults claiming JA

While it is normally the case that only one partner claims the full rate Jobseeker's Allowance for the household, this does not prevent the Qualified Adult from applying for their own Jobseeker's Allowance payment and establishing their own entitlement to training, education and employment options now or in the future.

While both adults may seek to claim a Jobseeker's Allowance payment in their own right, they will not receive two full rates of payment. Instead they will each receive half of the family rate (€312.80 at 50% = €156.40 each) plus half rate for each Qualified Child (€29.80 ÷ 2) = €14.90 each.

In this instance each person will have to satisfy the conditions of Jobseeker's Allowance in their own right. Both claimants must be available for, capable of, and genuinely seeking full-time work. Both claimants must be able to provide proof of their jobseeking efforts to the satisfaction of the Department. Income from any employment may affect both Jobseeker's Allowance payments.

Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance where spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working

If your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working, or self-employed, you may be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance in your own right. Your application will be subject to the standard means test and you must satisfy all the conditions of the payment, including the Genuinely Seeking Work (GSW) criteria, see Chapter 1 for details. A spouse/civil partner/cohabitant's earnings from employment on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme are assessed in the same way as any other earnings from insurable employment.

The Department of Social Protection may request copies of your partner's audited business accounts for the most recent trading year in addition to other documentation. If you fail to provide this information your application for Jobseeker's Allowance cannot be processed.

The example below outlines how entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance is calculated where means are assessed when a spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working or in self-employment.

 

Claiming JA when spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working John and Mary are a couple with two children. John is working for four days per week in insurable employment, his assessable earnings after allowable deductions are €260.00. Mary applies for Jobseeker's Allowance. The family's rate of JA is calculated as follows. Jobseeker's Allowance (Family Rate) €312.80 John's net earnings from employment €260.00 John's Earnings disregard (€20 per day x max limit 3 days) €60.00 John's Assessable Earnings €200.00 Assessed at 60% €120.00 Mary's Jobseeker's Allowance (€312.80 - €120.00) €192.80 Mary's new JA rate €192.80 Plus John's net earnings from employment €260.00 New Total Household income* €452.80

*In this example John could apply for FIS, where his Jobseeker's payment would be €205.20.

Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance

The Qualified Adult of a claimant on Jobseeker's Benefit may seek to make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance in their own right. Any entitlement to a Jobseeker's Allowance will be subject to a means test, application of the Genuinely Seeking Work criteria, in addition to other standard qualifying conditions.

The total amount payable to the family unit in this instance will only be equal to the maximum amount payable for the family size under the Jobseeker's Benefit payment. They will not receive two full rates of payment. If the Qualified Adult establishes an entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance payment the maximum they will receive is €124.80 and half rate payment for each Qualified Child (€14.90)

Any income from any employment may affect both claims for Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance, see information on Jobseeker's Benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance in this chapter.

Separate Payments - Equitable Access

Where a couple are residing in the same house, but there is not equitable access to or sharing of the Social Welfare payment, an application can be made to the Department of Social Protection to issue separate payments.

A Qualified Adult can request a separate payment which would be equal to half the family rate. In the best interest of the family, the Qualified Adult can also request that they receive the full Child Dependant increase on their payment. A qualified adult may also qualify for certain education and training programmes based on the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant's claim

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Revenue Job Assist

The Revenue Job Assist scheme provides additional tax-free allowances for people who receive qualifying Social Welfare payments and are returning to employment.

Under this scheme the employee receives an additional tax-free credit and the employer will also receive additional tax relief.

• Revenue Job Assist only applies if you are taking up a job. It does not apply if you are becoming self-employed.
• If you change jobs once during the 3 years you can still keep the allowance. If however, you move on to a third job you will lose the allowance.
• You can only claim this relief for one 3 year period. If you claim the relief, become unemployed and then return to work again in the same 3 year period, you can continue to claim. If you claim the relief, become unemployed and return to work after the three year period, you cannot claim the relief.

Extra Tax-Free Allowances

Under this scheme the additional tax relief is available for a three-year period on a tapered basis as follows:

Extra Personal Extra Tax Credit for Tax Credit each qualifying child Year 1 €3, 810 E1,270 Year 2 €2, 540 E850 Year 3 €1, 270 €425

 

The additional tax allowances are an extra personal tax allowance and a child tax allowance for each qualifying child. These allowances are marginally rated which means they are allowed at the individual's highest rate of tax and appear as an increase to your tax credits and Standard Rate Cut Off Point on the Tax Credit Certificate.

The Revenue Job Assist is added to your other tax credits and Standard Rate Cut Off Point and can be claimed for three years. Also, this tax allowance can be claimed irrespective of your marital status. To work out how much income tax you will pay see Chapter 5.

Qualifying for the Revenue Job Assist

Different qualification requirements apply to different Social Welfare payments - but under this scheme you must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and the job must be capable of lasting at least 12 months.

Jobseekers: Jobseekers will qualify for this scheme after 12 months on either Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit.

Other Social Welfare Payments: In receipt of one of the following payments for 12 months or more, One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension. In receipt of Invalidity Pension for 12 months or Illness Benefit for 3 years or more.

A person may not get Invalidity Pension and participate in the Revenue Job Assist Scheme. If you are on Invalidity Pension and wish to take up the Revenue Job Assist Scheme you are obliged to give up your Invalidity Pension.

• Ex-prisoners: Ex-prisoners will qualify after 12 months or more (once an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance is established before starting employment).

Other Qualification Conditions -

• You will not qualify for Revenue Job Assist if you have even had one day's employment in the past year.
• You will not qualify for Revenue Job Assist if you have been made redundant in the last 6 months
• Time spent on Job Initiative, Community Employment, certain FÁS training courses and the Back to Education Scheme can also make up part of the 12-month period, and do not count as employment when assessing eligibility.

Secondary Benefits -

• Participants on Revenue Job Assist who have a Rent Supplement will be assessed on New Rent Supplement regulations - See Chapter 2. If it is more beneficial, they can continue to be assessed under the previous rules.
• Those remaining on Rent Supplement may qualify for consideration for accommodation on the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
• You will retain your Medical Card for three years.
• You may be eligible for FIS (see FIS section in this Chapter).

Further information on Revenue Job Assist can be obtained from your local tax office or www.revenue.ie. You could also check with your local FÁS Placement Office for any jobs notified by employers under Revenue Job Assist.

Contact your Jobs Facilitator in your local Social Welfare office, the Local Employment Service or the INOU on (01) 856 0088 to find out which is the best option for you (see Chapter 7 for contact numbers).

Part-time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJIS)

If you have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for 15 months or more the part-time Job Incentive Scheme is to help a person get back into the workplace in the short-term by doing part-time work under 24 hours a week. Instead of Jobseeker's Allowance, you may be able to claim a Part-time Job Allowance for one year, which may be extended for a further period. While on this scheme you must continue your search for full-time work. You cannot claim an allowance for any children and you can only keep your secondary benefits if you pass the standard means test.

You can apply for this scheme if you:

• Are on Long-Term Jobseeker's Allowance (LTJA) for 15 months or more and receiving a higher Jobseeker's payment than the appropriate part-time Job Incentive supplement payable.
• Have found a job with less than 24 hours employment a week, lasting for at least two months.
• You must pay PRSI contribution at class A or J on your earnings from employment. (If you are in insurable employment and your earnings are €38 or more per week you will pay a PRSI contribution at Class A. If your earnings are under €38 then you will pay a Class J contribution.

Your Part-time Job Allowance will be paid at €124.10 per week (single person), or €202.30 per week (with an adult dependant). Your earnings from your job will not affect your rate of payment. Your wages will be taxable and you will pay a Class A PRSI.

• You will keep your medical card for the duration of the PTJI scheme regardless of your earnings (up to a maximum of 3 years).
• If you are working between 19 and 24 hours a week check to see if you are entitled to FIS (see Chapter 4).

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Revenue Job Assist

If you are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months or more, and you are returning to employment you may be able to claim additional tax allowances under the Revenue Job Assist scheme. An extra tax allowance can be claimed for each qualifying child. The tax allowance can be claimed for 3 tax years and may begin with either the tax year in which the employment commences or the following tax year.

It is important to note that you will not qualify for this scheme if you have had even one days employment in the last 12 months prior to applying for/taking up the scheme.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance encourages unemployed people and those receiving other Social Welfare payments to take up self employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a proportion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits.

• The amount of time you can participate on the BTWEA is 2 years. -
• The qualifying period required for BTWEA is 12 months provided you have an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance -
• You will receive 100% of your Social Welfare payment for the first year, and 75% for the second year. -
• If you have previously participated in the BTWEA Scheme and exhausted your entitlement, you can participate a second time after a period of at least 5 years has elapsed.

Qualifying for the BTWEA

You will qualify for the BTWEA if you:

• Are setting up a self-employment business that has been approved in advance in writing by a Job Facilitator or Partnership Company

And

• Are 12 months getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance. If you are on jobseekers benefit you must have an underlying entitlement to jobseekers allowance. If there is no jobseekers allowance entitlement, the qualifying period for jobseekers benefit is two years.

Or

• Getting One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Farm Assist, Incapacity Supplement, Pre-Retirement Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer's Allowance, Widow's/Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension, Deserted Wife's Benefit/Allowance, or Prisoner's Wife Allowance for at least 12 months

Or

• Getting Illness Benefit for 3 or more years -
• Getting Farm Assist, providing that the self-employment is now in relation to the holding and not the continuation of an existing operation -
• A person released from prison who satisfies the eligibility criteria

Qualified Adults - Spousal Swap

The Qualified Adult of a person who is eligible for the BTWEA may be able to do a 'spousal swap' to allow the Qualified Adult to take up self employment under the BTWEA. This involves the main claimant and the Qualified Adult exchanging places on the welfare payment. It is important to ensure this is done properly. Check with the INOU or your local Social Welfare office before doing anything.

Note: Once entitlement to BTWEA is established, a qualified adult is free to take up employment without affecting the BTWEA.

Helping you Qualify for BTWEA

• Periods spent on FÁS or Fáilte Ireland training courses, Community Employment, Community Services Programme, Rural Social Scheme, FIT, FÁS Jobs Initiative and VTOS, count towards the qualifying period - only if you received a qualifying Social Welfare payment before participating in any of these.
• Periods spent in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Direct Provision count towards the qualifying period - only if you are receiving a qualifying Social Welfare payment after these periods.
• Periods spent on Live Registers in the E.U. can be accepted as periods of unemployment provided you have signed the Live Register here for at least 13 weeks.
• Time spent on other Social Welfare payments can be combined to make up the qualifying period and other additional qualification exceptions may apply, subject to your circumstances. Please check with the INOU for more details.

Not Qualified

• Periods on the Revenue Job Assist or FÁS 'Job Start' are not considered as periods of unemployment and do not qualify persons for the BTWEA.

Additional supports available

• Technical Assistance grants, of up to €1,000, are available to assist you in preparing a business plan, doing market research or product development.
• Training grants are available to give you the skills necessary to run your business e.g., computer skills, management skills etc.
• County/City Enterprise Boards develop enterprise in their area and are responsible for grant aiding and supporting new businesses with less than 5 employees (see Chapter 7).

Short-term Enterprise Allowance

There is a Short-term Enterprise Allowance for those not long on a jobseeker's payment and anxious to get started. There is no qualifying period. You can get immediate access to the allowance but you must meet the qualifying conditions:

• To qualify you must have an entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit and have 104 contributions -
• The Allowance will be paid for a maximum of 1 year. It will end when your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit ends (that is, at either 9 months or 12 months)

If you are already on Jobseeker's Benefit, the period remaining to you on JB will decide the length of your short-term BTWEA. Your Jobseeker's Benefit will be paid at the full rate (100%) while on the Short-term Enterprise Allowance Secondary Benefits and the BTWEA / Short-term Enterprise Allowance.

Participants may retain any secondary benefits they were in receipt of prior to participation on either scheme.

Rent Supplement / Rental Accommodation Scheme

You may retain entitlement to a Rent Supplement. Your wages and payment on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance will be taken into consideration when deciding on your entitlement to a rent supplement. See chapter 2 for details of the Rent Supplement means test. Persons receiving BTWEA and Rent Supplement may qualify for consideration for accommodation on the Rental Accommodation Scheme

Medical Card:

You will keep your medical card for 3 years.

Other Benefits:

You may retain your entitlement to: Fuel Allowance and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance if your gross household income is less than €317.43 per week, not including the BTWEA payment.

Taking up the BTWEA

Contact your local Facilitator to find out how to apply for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and to find out about additional supports. Your local Social Welfare Office will be able to put you in touch with your Facilitator or you can phone Employment Support Services at LoCall 1890 927 999. If you live in a Partnership Area, you will need to have your application approved by your Local Integrated Development Company. Other supports such as access to training, funding etc, can also be sourced through the Partnership. An Enterprise Officer or Facilitator will look at your business proposal and may discuss certain aspects of it with you. You must not take up self-employment until you have received written approval from a Local Integrated Development Company or the Department of Social Protection. If you are accepted on to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme, you must register as self-employed with the Revenue Commissioners.

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Jobseekers and Work - a useful checklist

Genuinely Seeking Work

If you take up part-time employment while the Main Claimant on Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit you must be able to show that you are Genuinely Seeking Work and continue to seek full-time employment while working part-time.

You must be registered with and regularly using FÁS to look for employment or training opportunities. Evidence of this might be required if your claim for a Jobseeker's payment is being reviewed by the Department under Genuinely Seeking Work conditions. Part-time Work:

Part-time Work

Would you be better off claiming a Family Income Supplement (FIS) instead of a Qualified Adult payment if you are working?

Would you be better off claiming a Family Income Supplement (FIS) instead of a Qualified Adult payment if your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is working?

Secondary Benefits:

While there is no limit on the number of hours your Qualified Adult can work while you are on Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance, if your Qualified Adult works for 30 hours or more you may not qualify for a Rent Supplement.

How will income from employment or self-employment affect your entitlement to Rent Supplement or Mortgage Interest Supplement?

How will my spouse/civil partner/cohabitants income from employment or self-employment affect your entitlement to Rent Supplement or Mortgage Interest Supplement?

How will any additional income from employment (you or your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant) affect your Local Authority Rent?

Revenue Job Assist:

You will not qualify for this scheme if you have had even one days employment in the last 12 months.

 

For more information:

Contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 or at www.inou.ie

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Community Employment (CE)

Community Employment schemes are Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMP's) supported by FÁS. These schemes provide training and work experience, primarily to long-term unemployed people and those on the One Parent Family Payment, with some other groups of people also being eligible. Those on CE work for an average of 19.5 hours per week (or 39 hours per fortnight).

Local sponsors - community groups, local authorities or non-profit companies working in the voluntary sector or local authorities - manage CE projects. CE is divided into two options that have different eligibility rules and conditions. The type of work varies considerably from project to project. Jobs are advertised through FÁS, LES offices and local Job Clubs. You can apply for a CE position through your local FÁS office, LES or Job Club. Visit www.fas.ie for further details.

CE Part-Time Integration Option

The objective of the Part-time Integration Option is to help ensure that participants find a job or enter full time training/education normally after one year on Community Employment. If you decide to take a place on this option you may qualify for one year on the scheme.

Who is eligible?

• Anyone 25 years of age or over and currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment for 12 months or more.
• Anyone 25 years of age or over in receipt of either Widows/Widowers pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory), Farm Assist or Deserted Wife's Benefit for 12 months or more.
• Anyone 25 years of age or over who is a Qualified Adult Dependant of an eligible person who is currently in receipt of either JA, JB, or Farm Assist for 12 months or more may avail of the Spousal Swap Option. (This does not apply to a Qualified Adult Dependant of those on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or Blind Pension).
• All Refugees (Convention and Programme) aged 18 years and over, as authenticated by the Department of Justice and Equality (i.e. Green Card or Garda Registration Certificate with Stamp 4) without the requisite number of weeks in receipt of payments from the DSP.
• Travellers of any age, unemployed and in receipt of JA/JB for any period, or OPFP for one year or more. For Travellers aged 16 to 17 years, a minimum of 12 months spent in a Travellers Training Workshop will suffice for eligibility.
• Persons of 18 years of age or over and in receipt of either Disability Allowance or Blind Pension or Invalidity Pension, (who obtain approval from the DSP, to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature), or Illness Benefit for 6 months or more (who obtain approval from Department of Social Protection) to engage in work of a rehabilitative nature).
• Persons aged 18 years or over referred by the Drugs Task Force.
• Ex-offenders, aged 18 years or over, who are referred by the Probation Service. Also, Ex-offenders aged 18 and over not referred by the Probation Service and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit for 1 year or more. Time spent as a prisoner is regarded as reckonable when considering duration of unemployment.
• Persons aged 18 years or over inhabiting the off-shore islands
• Persons aged 25 years or over who were in receipt of Carer's Allowance, but caring responsibilities must have ceased and the person must currently be in receipt of either Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or One Parent Family Payment for a combined total of 12 months or more.

CE Part-Time Job Option

On the Part-time job option you may be eligible to work up to three years compared to the standard 1-year available to other participants. The 3-year option recognises the need to provide access to a part-time placement for extended periods for older persons who have been unable to secure regular employment for some time. If you decide to take a place on this option you may be taken on for one year initially and depending on your work performance and availability of places, you can be re-engaged for further periods, up to a maximum of 3 years subject to approval by FÁS.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for CE Part-Time Job Option is the same as for the CE Part-Time Integration Option with the exception of the following; that the age requirement is 35 years of age rather than 25:

Persons aged 35 years or over who were in receipt of a Carer's Allowance, or a combination of Carer's Allowance and either JA, JB or OPFP, for 3-years or more.

Anyone 35 years of age or over who is a Qualified Adult Dependant of an eligible person who is currently in receipt of either JA, JB, or Farm Assist for 3 years or more may avail of the Spousal Swap option. (This does not apply to Qualified Adult Dependants of those on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or Blind Pension (Spousal Swap).

Travellers of 18 years or over in receipt of JA, JB or OPFP for one year or more. For Travellers aged 16-17 years, a minimum of 12 months spent on a Travellers Training Workshop will suffice for eligibility.

Ex-offenders aged 35 years or over, who are referred by the Probation Service. Also, ex-offenders aged 35 and over not referred by the Probation Service and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit for 3 years or more. Time spent as a prisoner is regarded as reckonable when considering duration of unemployment. -

Persons 35 years of age or over in receipt of either Disability Allowance or Blind Pension or Invalidity Pension (who obtain approval from the DSP, to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature) or Illness Benefit for 6 months or more (who obtain approval from DSP to engage in work of a rehabilitative nature).

 

The maximum rates of pay on CE projects are: Personal Allowance €208.00 - Qualified Adult Dependant (at Maximum Rate) €124.80 - Each Qualified Child €29.80 - Each half-rate Qualified Child €14.90

Important Points to remember

• If you are earning less than €352 per week you are exempt from paying PRSI - but a PRSI contribution is made by your employer. If you earn more than €352, there is a PRSI disregard on the first €127 you earn per week. PRSI is paid at a rate of 4% on all weekly earnings over €127.
• The Universal Social Charge does not count income from Community Employment as part of your 'gross' income.
• To make up your qualifying time for Community Employment you can combine a period of time spent on a recognised training, education or employment programme. Time spent in prison may also count as time unemployed.
• The capping of participation on CE, as outlined below, does not apply to periods spent on CE before April 3rd, 2000
• Lifetime participation for those participating on the CE, is 'capped' at three years for those aged under 55 and at six years for those aged 55 and over who may participate for up to 6 years in total (with the exception of the cases outlined below).
• Lifetime participation for those participating on the CE and qualifying as a result of receipt of a DSP disability linked benefit, is 'capped' at four years for those aged under 55 and at seven years for those 55 and over. -
• The normal 'waiting period' for those wanting to repeat a one-year term on CE is 12 months.
• If the income of your partner/spouse changes after you start the CE Scheme you will continue to receive the qualified adult and child dependent rates that you received when you first went on to the scheme. If you have additional children you may receive a further qualified child payment.

If you finish a scheme and apply for an unemployment payment you can choose the payment of most benefit to you, either long-term Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit. If you choose Jobseeker's Benefit, you will lose entitlement to long-term secondary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance.

What about my Secondary Benefits?

If your CE commenced after 6th June 2007 then the new means assessment applies for rent supplement recipients. If you are on CE and also in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, it is unlikely you will receive the Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Fuel Allowance may be payable by FÁS, to Jobseeker clients only, if the DSP confirm eligibility to this payment to FÁS. Lone parents and persons in receipt of a disability-related payments continue to receive Fuel Allowance via their DSP payment.

Rent Supplement:

If you are receiving Rent Supplement, the combination of income from CE and your Social Welfare payment will also affect your Rent Supplement. See Chapter 2 for a comprehensive review of the new Rent Supplement assessment.

Medical Card:

You will keep your medical card while on CE no matter how much you earn.

Training on Community Employment

Each Community Employment project currently has a training and development budget for participants of €500 per CE place per year.

Training is available to participants in four categories: Project-related training, Progression-related training, Core Skills training and Return to Education training (literacy and numeracy).

'Project related' training includes training and development of the participants skills to enable them to carry out their work on the CE scheme. 'Progression related' training provides for training which will enable participants to improve existing skills or learn additional skills necessary to progress into employment. 'Core Skills' training aims to provide additional personal and technical skills to help access employment. Return to Education training is offered to participants who feel they would benefit from such training.

The Community Employment (CE) Individual Learner Plan (ILP) system is used to record each individual participant's training and work experience activities throughout their time on Community Employment (CE).

When you are undertaking training try to ensure that:

• The training is relevant and beneficial to your general skills and will prove useful in seeking employment after your scheme;
• The training and development modules you choose offer a recognised certificate or qualification;
• You obtain a relevant up-to-date reference from your CE supervisor outlining the training you received and the experience you have gained. A summary "Record of Achievement" document is now issued to each participant by the Supervisor recording successfully completed training as part of the CE Individual Learner Plan.

Additional Employment

You can take up additional employment outside of your CE scheme. Income from this work is subject to tax, PRSI and the Universal Social Charge in the normal way (see Chapter 5 for information on tax and PRSI). Any additional income may affect your secondary benefits, in particular your Rent Supplement (see Chapter 2).

What happens after I finish my CE options?

• Under the Part-Time Integration Option you may be eligible for another year on Community Employment. There is no automatic eligibility to an extension and only 20% of the total number of CE places can be extended for a second year. You should talk to your CE supervisor if you feel that another year would increase your chances of getting a job later on. Your sponsor must request the extension from FÁS at least 8 weeks before your finish date.
• You should speak with your FÁS Employment Services Officer or LES office if there is one in your area, before you finish your scheme, to discuss your options for getting work.
• If you are unemployed after your CE scheme, you may qualify for either Jobseeker's Benefit or long-term Jobseeker's Allowance. You can choose the payment of most benefit to you. - If you want to return to education after your scheme there are a number of programmes you may qualify for (see Chapter 6). If you are in receipt of an unemployment payment it is very important that you inform the local Department of Social Protection Office of any application you make to participate on any of these programmes. If you are successful in securing a place on a programme you should inform the local Department of Social Protection Office and confirm arrangements to ensure your social welfare payment is continued.

Community Employment (CE) Rights

The INOU supports and promotes the rights of CE participants to join a trade union in order to protect their employment rights.

• If you are dismissed you have the right to receive a written notice outlining the reason for dismissal once you have completed a continuous year's service. If you feel you have been sacked unfairly, you can take a case to the Labour Relations Commission and make a complaint under the Unfair Dismissal Act. An employee generally requires one year's continuous service to claim under the Act. -
• You are not required to work weekends or irregular hours unless this is a requirement of the job and was explained to you at your interview, and/or is specified in your job description.
• While the project sponsor decides sick leave policy, FÁS reimburses the sponsor for a total of 7 full day's sick leave if you supply a doctor's certificate. If you have the necessary PRSI contributions you can claim Illness Benefit, otherwise you will have to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from your Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre.
• All women are entitled to statutory maternity leave on CE. If you do not qualify for Maternity Benefit i.e. if you don't have enough PRSI contributions, you should go to your local office of the Department of Social Protection and sign on. You can apply for the One-Parent Family Payment if you are a lone parent when your child is born. You may be entitled to claim Supplementary Welfare Allowance if you are waiting for either of these payments.

Holidays

• A participant engaged for the full duration of a CE scheme is entitled to 10.5 full days (81 hours) holidays and pro-rata where a lesser period is worked.
• Holidays must be taken within the 52-week period or not at all.
• Participants may qualify to receive payments in lieu of holidays.
• Arrangements for taking holidays are a matter of agreement between the sponsor and the participants.

If you are on CE, the project sponsors (your employers) must follow the legislation relevant to part-time workers.

Complaints Procedures

If you have difficulties while on your scheme, FÁS prescribes that each project should have procedures in place to deal with these difficulties. FÁS is currently in the process of revising all their complaints procedures and when this is completed the results will be published on the FÁS internet web site.

Job Initiative (JI)

This programme is no longer recruiting participants.

There is a prior commitment from the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation that there will be no compulsory lay-offs on JI. Those participants who remain on JI may have their contracts renewed until they reach 66 years of age, when FÁS would cease funding them. Community Employment (CE) participants may replace people who leave JI voluntarily, depending on circumstances.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Working and Unemployment Payments

If you are unemployed and in receipt of either Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance you can accept an offer of part-time work and may be able to claim some of your Jobseeker's Benefit /Jobseeker's Allowance payment for the days that you are unemployed.

Working part-time is allowed, providing that you are: -

• unemployed for at least 3 days in any 6 consecutive days
• genuinely seeking full-time employment
• available for work in respect of the remaining days of unemployment

Working for any part of a day, even for only one hour, is counted as a full day of employment by the Department of Social Protection. You must advise the Department of any work you undertake while receiving either Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you are engaged in part-time employment you are still required to prove that you are Genuinely Seeking full-time employment, and that you are actively seeking work for the other days you are claiming Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you accept part-time work and do not continue to genuinely seek full-time employment, or cannot provide evidence of your efforts to seek full-time employment, your claim for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance may be disallowed. See Chapter 1 for more information about claiming Jobseeker's Benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Your Rights at Work

A regular part-time worker is entitled to the same range of employment rights as a full-time worker. See chart below for a summary of these rights.

A regular part-time employee is a person who has:

• Worked for at least 13 weeks with the same employer, and is normally expected to work at least eight hours a week for that employer.

You have a right to: When? A written statement of terms and conditions of employment After 2 months Protection against unfair dismissal After 1 year Protection against unfair dismissal resulting wholly or mainly from pregnancy, trade union membership or trade No qualifying period union activities From March 1st 2007, 26 weeks Maternity Benefit No qualifying period Time off for ante/post natal care No qualifying period Full (unpaid) parental leave - 14 weeks leave After 1 year Reduced (unpaid) parental leave - 1 weeks leave per month of service After 3 months Arrears of pay, holiday pay and certain other awards where an employer becomes insolvent (i.e. unable to pay debts) After 13 weeks where statutory entitlement exists. You have a right to a minimum period of notice before dismissal* Min. Notice When Min. Notice When - 1 weeks notice After 13 weeks - 6 weeks notice After 10-15 years - 2 weeks notice After 2-5 years - 8 weeks notice After 15 years - 4 weeks notice After 5-10 years - Statutory redundancy After 2 years *This does not apply to employees who are normally expected to work for less than eight hours a week.

 

Holidays

In order to qualify for 4 weeks (20 days) annual leave, the employee must have worked:

• at least 117 hours per calendar month for the employer
• at least 1,365 hours for the same employer during the calendar year.

Employees' holiday entitlements must be calculated as below:

Days worked per week Holiday Entitlement 5 Days 20 Days Part-time 8% of hours worked

Public Holidays

Instead of giving the public holiday, employers can give any one of the following:

• an extra days annual leave, or an additional day's pay, or
• a paid day off within a month of the Bank Holiday, or
• a paid day off on the nearest church holiday.

This only applies to those who have worked a minimum of 40 hours in the 5 weeks ending on the day before the public holiday. For further information contact: The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) on 1890 80 80 90 or www.employmentrights.ie

The Minimum Wage

Since April 2000 all experienced adult workers are entitled to the national minimum hourly wage. If you are under 18, in your first job or participating in training you may be paid a reduced rate.

The National Minimum Wage rates in effect from are as follows:

Employee Minimum hourly rate of pay Up to 30th June 2011 was €7.65. From 1st July 2011 Experienced Adult worker rate is now €8.65

It is unlawful for an employer to pay an experienced adult worker less than the minimum hourly rate of pay. If you are not being paid the proper rate complaints can be made to a Rights Commissioner of the Labour Relations Commission or to the Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Tel: (01) 631 2121

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Working and Claiming a Disability Payment

There are three main types of Disability/Illness payments available from the Department of Social Protection. Each payment type has its own qualification requirements.

Disability Allowance (DA):

A weekly allowance paid to people with a disability. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year. It is subject to a medical assessment and a means test. The payment is made for the duration of the person's disability and may be subject to further medical reviews. -

Illness Benefit (IB):

A weekly benefit paid to people who are/have been in insured employment and who cannot work due to illness. It is based on PRSI contributions, paid for a maximum of 2 years and it is not means tested - but is subject to a medical assessment and the provision of medical evidence. -

Invalidity Pension (IP):

Invalidity Pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of an illness or incapacity. It is based on PRSI contributions, it is not means tested - but is subject to a medical assessment. Qualified persons will usually progress from Illness Benefit to this payment in the event of a permanent illness/incapacity.

Not Capable of Work

All disability payments are made on the understanding that the claimant is not capable of work; and as a general rule, you cannot work in mainstream part-time or full-time employment while on a disability payment.

Rehabilitative Work

A person in receipt of Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension can take-up 'rehabilitative' work while on a disability payment if that work contributes to an improvement in their condition or increases their ability to cope with their illness or disability.

The person must apply for and receive permission from the Department of Social Protection before taking-up any 'rehabilitative' work.

Exemptions for Rehabilitative Work

An exemption to engage in rehabilitative work can last for up to 12 months, or the specific duration of the rehabilitative employment. You must reapply for a further exemption when it runs out. While it would appear that there is no official limit on the number of exemptions which may be granted, the Department of Social Protection will consider any future benefits of rehabilitative work and the person's disability in determining if any further exemptions should be given.

Community Employment (CE)

Persons on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are allowed to participate on Community Employment as 'rehabilitative' work. Income from Community Employment will be assessed as means for Disability Allowance, but will not affect any Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit payment. Contact the INOU for further information on Community Employment.

FÁS Training Courses

Persons on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are allowed to participate on FÁS Training Courses, subject to approval of the Department of Social Protection. How income from/participation on a FÁS Training course is assessed is dealt with on the following pages.

Moving from Illness Benefit to Disability Allowance

If you are advised by the Department of Social Protection that you about to exhaust your entitlement to an Illness Benefit payment (after a maximum of 2 years payment) you may be able to apply for Disability Allowance. As this is a means tested payment you will need to check out if your payment will be affected by:

• any rehabilitative employment you are engaged in, or
• employment/self-employment your partner or spouse is engaged in.

Both Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are non-means tested payments, whereas Disability Allowance is means tested, so you will also need to take into consideration the value of any other income, savings, capital, investments or property other than your own home and how this could affect your entitlement to Disability Allowance. The capital disregard for Disability Allowance is €50,000.

Disability Allowance (DA) and Work

People in receipt of Disability Allowance are allowed to participate in approved 'rehabilitative' work (employment or self-employment) and retain some or all of their Disability Allowance payment. Secondary benefits may be affected by income.

Rehabilitative Work

A person in receipt of Disability Allowance must apply for and receive permission from the Department of Social Protection before taking-up any 'rehabilitative' work. Any decision to grant permission will be based on the nature of the persons disability and the rehabilitative work proposed.

Limits on Hours Worked

While no restriction has been placed on the number of hours you may work you should use a maximum of 20 hours a week as a guideline. If you work for more than 20 hours per week your payment could be suspended. You will not qualify for payment of Disability Allowance if you engage in full-time employment or Self-employment.

Assessment of Earnings from Rehabilitative Work

Income from rehabilitative work is assessed as follows. The first €120 per week will not affect the Disability Allowance payment. Earnings between €120 and €350 are assessed at 50%. Income over €350 is fully assessed euro for euro - for example: Income from rehabilitative work = €200 Rehabilitative earnings disregard = €120 Balance = €80 Actual assessable income from employment = €40 Result - DA payment will be reduced by = €40 per week

 

Disability Allowance and Community Employment

Persons on Disability Allowance are allowed to participate on Community Employment. Income from rehabilitative work under the Community Employment scheme is classed as income from employment (see above).

Disability Allowance and FÁS Training Courses

Persons on Disability Allowance are allowed to participate on FÁS Training Courses. The Disability Allowance payment is suspended for the duration of the course and a FÁS Training Allowance will be paid instead. Participants will receive a training bonus of €20 per week. When the course is over the person will go back on their Disability Allowance.

Disability Allowance and Secondary Benefits

Entitlement to retain part or all of your secondary benefits may be affected by the source of the additional income, the following outlines how your secondary benefits are affected by various sources of additional income.

 

Rehabilitative Employment: Fuel Allowance: Not Affected Rent Supplement: May be affected Household Benefits: Not Affected Medical Card: May be affected Community Employment: Fuel Allowance: Not Affected Rent Supplement: May be affected Household Benefits: Not Affected Medical Card: Not Affected FÁS Training Course: Fuel Allowance: Not Affected Rent Supplement: Not Affected Household Benefits: Not Affected Medical Card: Not Affected

 

Disability Allowance and Means Test

The means test to qualify for Disability Allowance is the same as Jobseeker's Allowance (see Chapter 1), with the exception that the capital disregard for Disability Allowance is €50,000.

Disability Allowance and spouse/civil partner/cohabitant Working

If your spouse or partner works, is engaged in self-employment or has an income from a course of training or education, their income could affect your Disability Allowance payment - even if you are not claiming for them as a Qualified Adult on your Disability Allowance payment. Their weekly earnings are gross earnings less PRSI, superannuation and union dues. €20 per day (up to a maximum of €60) from work is deducted from your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant's average weekly earnings and then 60% of the balance is assessed as weekly means. The weekly means is then deducted from the combined total of your personal rate of Disability Allowance and the maximum payment for a Qualified Adult.

Disability Allowance and Maintenance

Persons receiving maintenance while on Disability Allowance may count up to €95.23 of maintenance against rent or mortgage costs, with half the remaining amount assessed as means. Proof of rent/mortgage payments is required.

Disability Allowance and SWA Payments

The Community Welfare Officer (CWO) may have the discretion to allow a person to access certain SWA payments, if a case can be made to show that a special need exists, this includes the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, Exception Needs Payments and Urgent Needs Payments.

Disability Allowance and Family Income Supplement (FIS)

If a person on Disability Allowance engages in approved rehabilitative work (not including Community Employment) for more than 19 hours per week s/he may apply for the weekly tax free Family Income Supplement payment (see FIS in this Chapter).

Disability Allowance and Residential Care

If you are getting Disability Allowance and go into hospital or residential care you will continue to get your payment as long as you meet the qualifying conditions. If you were not getting Disability Allowance before living in residential care you can now qualify for Disability Allowance once you meet the qualifying conditions.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Working and Claiming a Social Welfare Payment

When taking up a job or a scheme it is important that you are aware of the full range of supports that are available to you. Given the changing nature of the traditional workplace opportunities to engage in part-time employment may arise more frequently than full-time employment. Part-time employment can prove a valuable source of income, provide practical and beneficial work experience and training, and can, in some instances, lead to full-time employment. Many types of Social Welfare payments allow you to work part-time and continue to receive some of your Social Welfare payment. In this section we outline some of the most common payments to which this applies. -

• Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) -
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) -
• Qualified Adult (JB) -
• Qualified Adult (JA) -
• One Parent Family Payment -
• Disability & Illness Payments -
• Carers Payments

If you are returning to work while on, or coming from, a Social Welfare payment it is important to remember that you should review how any additional income may affect your secondary benefits including social welfare payments, rent allowance/mortgage interest supplement or other secondary benefits (See Chapter 2 for more information). Contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 for more information.

Last Updated: 28/06/2011 ^ back to top

Moving from Jobseekers Benefit to Jobseekers Allowance

While a person in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment can engage in part-time employment, how the income is assessed will depend on the payment your are receiving - Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance. If you are about to exhaust your claim for Jobseeker's Benefit and intend to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance it is very important that you check out if your entitlement will be affected by: -

• any part-time employment/self-employment you are engaged in
• employment/self-employment your partner or spouse is engaged in.

In addition, Jobseeker's Benefit is a non-means tested payment, whereas Jobseeker's Allowance is means tested, so you will also need to take into consideration the value of any other income, savings, capital, investments or property other than your own home and how this could affect your entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Part-time work and Jobseekers Allowance

If you are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance you can work for up to three days a week and continue to receive payment for the days you are unemployed, provided you continue to satisfy the means test and the normal qualifying conditions for Jobseeker's Allowance (See Chapter 1 for more information on Jobseeker's Allowance).

Sunday is not considered a day of employment, so if you work on a Sunday you will not lose a portion of your weekly Jobseeker's Allowance payment for this day. However, if your earned income from employment for up to 3 days plus any income from work on a Sunday exceeds the maximum family rate of Jobseeker's Allowance in your circumstances you will no longer be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance.

Your earnings from employment are assessed by taking your gross weekly earnings and deducting payments* for: -

• PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) -
• Pensions (including the pension levy) -
• Trade Union subscriptions

*The Universal Social Charge - USC - is not deducted.

A daily disregard of €20.00 a day is applied for each day worked up to a maximum of 3 days (€60.00). This daily disregard is combined for the number of days worked and deducted before income assessment. After subtracting the allowable deductions and applicable daily disregards the value of the remaining balance is assessed at 60% and taken as the weekly means from insurable employment. (Please see the example on this page).

Spouse Working:

If your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant works, or is engaged in self-employment or has any capital/savings or other assessable income, while you are in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance their earnings from employment or assessable means can affect the amount of Jobseeker's Allowance the family unit receives.

Self Employment:

You can engage in self-employment while in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance for up to 3 days per week. There is no ?20 daily disregard for self-employment, as is available to those engaged in employment. If you have been self-employed, paying a Class S PRSI contribution, you do not have to de-register, wind up or close your business in order to receive Jobseeker's Allowance while self-employed part-time. If you wish to pursue self-employment as a full-time option you may qualify for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. For more information, contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088.

Example: Part-time work and Jobseeker's Allowance

Mary is a single person on Jobseeker's Allowance, normally entitled to a payment of €188.00 a week. When she finds two days full-time (8 hours. per day) work, her assessable earnings, after the allowable deductions, is €200. Her new rate of Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) is calculated as follows: Earnings for two days (€100 per day x 2 days) €200.00 Earnings disregard for two days (€20 per day x 2 days) €40.00 Assessable income from employment (earnings €200 - disregard €40) €160.00 Income assessed at 60% (€160 @ 60%) €96.00 Mary's weekly means is €96.00 Mary's new rate of Jobseeker's Allowance (€188 - €96 means) €92.00 Two days assessable earnings €200.00 Plus JA payment +€92.00 New Total household income €292.00 -

• Persons in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance cannot qualify for a Family Income Supplement Payment (FIS). -
• Your secondary benefits may be affected, see Chapter 2 for more details.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top

Family Income Supplement (FIS)

Family Income Supplement (FIS) is a weekly tax-free payment for families, including one-parent families, at work on low pay. The Department of Social Protection administers this payment.

To be entitled to FIS you must:

• Be working for at least 19 hours a week or 38 hours every fortnight and not getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance. Both partners' hours can be added together to make up the 19 hours.
• Expect to be employed for at least three months.
• Have at least one qualified child i.e. a child under the age of 18 or aged 18-22 if in full-time education, who is normally living with you and being supported by you.
• Satisfy a means test. Your net income (after tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge (USC) and Superannuation Contributions to PRSA(s), and Public Service Levy) will be compared to a specific rate considered a suitable wage for your family size.

FIS Means Test - what is counted as means

The means test to qualify for FIS will count all of your income (including rental income from property) and your partner's income. The following payments are not counted:

Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Guardian's payments, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Domiciliary Care allowance, Foster Child Allowance, Rent Supplement, Mortgage Interest Supplement, income from employment as a HSE Home Help.

Other income that is not counted includes: income from a charitable organisation (unless from employment), unearned income (for example interest on savings) and income from providing accommodation to students studying Irish in Gaeltacht areas under a scheme administered by the Minister for the Gaeltacht.

 

Family Size Department's Net Income Guidelines

One child €506

Two children €602

Three children €703

Four children €824

Five children €950

Six children €1,066

Seven children €1,202

Eight or more children €1,298

 

FIS Means Test - How much you can get?

If your net (after tax and deductions) wage is less than the set figure for your family size, you will receive 60% of the difference. See the following example.

 

Working and claiming FIS Conor and Niamh have 4 children. Conor is employed over 19 hours and earns €250 per week net. If Conor applies for a FIS payment based on his family size and net wages his new total household income is calculated as follows Set FIS rate for family of four children €824.00 Less Conor's Income - €250.00 Income Difference €574.00 Weekly FIS (60% of €574) €344.40 Plus Conor's earnings + €250.00 Total household income €594.40

FIS and your Partner claiming Jobseeker's payment

If your partner is claiming a Jobseeker's payment, but is not claiming for you as a Qualified Adult, you can claim FIS if you are working and satisfy the normal qualification criteria. Any FIS payment received will not affect your partners Jobseeker's payment.

Important points to remember

• FIS is not taxable.
• FIS is paid for 52 weeks while you remain employed for at least 19 hours per week (or 38 hours per fortnight). This includes those on the Job Initiative scheme, the Community Services Programme (formerly the Social Economy Programme) and Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.
• If your earnings increase you will still retain FIS for the rest of the year.
• A person who job shares and works at least 38 hours over a two-week period and fulfils all the other conditions can also apply for FIS.
• Where both spouses/partners are working, their hours can be added together to total 19 hours for the household to qualify for FIS. Hours from self employment are not included.
• The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant with the greatest income is the spouse who makes the application for FIS
• If you have another child the FIS payment will be increased.
• The minimum FIS payment is €20 per week
• You cannot claim FIS if you are self-employed or on Community Employment (CE) Scheme. -
• At the end of the 52 weeks you should re-apply for FIS if you think you are still eligible. Always check - you may be losing out on a payment you are entitled to.

FIS and Reduced Working hours/Losing your Job

If your pay from work is reduced your Family Income Supplement (FIS) payment will stay the same. It will not increase. However, when your FIS payment ends you can re-apply giving details of your new reduced income. (FIS is usually paid for 52 weeks. At the end of the 52 weeks, you can re-apply for FIS).

If the number of hours you work each week is reduced to below 19 hours (38 hour per fortnight) you are no longer entitled to FIS. You should notify the FIS section if your hours fall below the minimum requirement.

If you lose your job you are no longer entitled to FIS. You must notify the FIS section.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top