The Department of Social Protection (DSP) operates a fast-tracking system which allows Jobseekers recipients to suspend payments while undergoing short-term work or training. Although the DSP has left this system unnamed, it has become known as the Fasttrack system at the INOU.
Fasttrack allows people in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment to sign-off for a period of up to 12 weeks and sign-on again without making a new Jobseeker’s payment application. During this period the Jobseekers claim will be suspended completely and no Jobseekers payments will be made. To avail of Fasttrack the employment offer should be for 4 days or more per week. For 3 days or less, and up to 24 hours per week, applying for a partial Jobseeker’s payment would be advisable.
To avail of the Fasttrack system, an applicant will be required to inform their local Intreo/Social Welfare Office of their offer of employment or training, their intention to sign-off, and the period during which they wish to sign-off. The Intreo/Social Welfare Office will require details of the employment or training; days, wages, etc… or a letter from the employer or education body. It is important that the Intreo/Social Welfare Office is informed of a return to a Jobseeker’s payment close to the end date of employment/training to prevent a gap in payments.
Anyone considering availing of Fasttrack should be aware that income from employment may be assessed as means should the earnings have been exceptionally high. As the Intreo/Social Welfare Office may request payslips from the employment period it is advisable to retain all payslips and be ready to pass them on once the employment period is completed to avoid any problems. The Intreo/Social Welfare Office also needs to be informed of a spouse taking up employment or self-employment during the signed-off period, and if household income, savings, or investments change (increases and decreases) during the same period.
Before availing of Fasttrack, Jobseekers recipients should be aware that time spent off a Jobseeker’s payment will not count as a period of unemployment. This could impact upon applications for state supported education, training, employment, enterprise or work experience programmes. For example, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) requires 6 months of unemployment to qualify, and the Community Employment Scheme (CE) requires between 6 months and a year of unemployment to qualify.
Signing-off of a Jobseekers claim may also impact Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement, and any increase in income may cause an increase in rent for those living in Local Authority accommodation or availing of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)
The Fasttrack system is ideal for taking on seasonal employment. Applicants should bear in mind its potential impact on their other options including state supported education, training, employment, enterprise or work experience programmes. Those unsure as to whether or not they can avail of Fasttrack should contact the INOU helpline at 01 - 856 0088 or fill out a query form here.