JOBSEEKERS' DIRECTORY

JOBSEEKERS’ DIRECTORY
KEY WEBSITES
FÁS is the National Training and Employment Authority. It provides information and
advice for jobseekers, as well as a list of job vacancies. To find out where the nearest
FÁS or Local Employment Service office is, as well as the local Job Club, go to
www.fas.ie (FÁS is undergoing changes and its website will change in January 2012)
The Department of Social Protection oversees the range of jobseeker supports available,
including schemes and initiatives to get people back to work. See below for details under
the Supports for Jobseekers heading. www.welfare.ie
The Citizens Information Board provides information,
advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and
social services. Its Money Advice and Budgeting
Service advises on debt and money management. For
more see www.citizensinformation.ie
This is a micro site run by the Citizens Information Board
providing public service information for those who are currently
unemployed or are becoming unemployed. To find out more, go
to www.losingyourjob.ie.
The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed provides a free information service
for those out of work, offering confidential and impartial information and assistance on
issues such as payment entitlements and back to work options. Free leaflets with
comprehensive information can also be downloaded from its site here www.inou.ie

.
This is a micro site of the INOU website containing information about
redundancy entitlements and a link to the Department of Social
Protection’s redundancy calculator. See www.redundancy.ie
Skillnets is a state-funded, enterprise-led body that facilitates training and up-skilling
under the Training Networks Programme. Jobseekers can increase their
employability and make new contacts in industry by receiving training with a Skillnets
network. Jobseekers on Skillnets courses train with those in employment, at no cost
and with no impact on social welfare payments or benefits. See www.skillnets.ie
Local Employment Service Networks – Obair is a community-based organisation set up
under Area Partnerships and funded through FÁS, providing a free, voluntary and
confidential service for local residents, where the response is tailored to meet local
needs. Call into one of its 26 offices around Ireland for more information or visit its
website at www.localemploymentservices.ie/
JobBridge is a new National Internship Scheme providing work
experience placements for interns for a 6 or 9 month period, to
help break the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job
without experience. To find out more, go to www.jobbridge.ie
AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, a non-governmental body, funded by
the Department of Education and Skills, providing information for those interested in returning
to education. To find out more, go to www.aontas.com

Springboard provides free higher education places and training for jobseekers to help them up-skill and
improve their job prospects. Courses are free, part-time
– allowing people keep social protection supports - and
are at certificate, degree and postgraduate level. Find
out more here: http://www.bluebrick.ie/Springboard/
VTOS is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme which offers unemployed
people an opportunity to return to structured learning in an adult setting. Funded by
the Department of Education and Skills, it is delivered in over 100 locations
throughout the country by the 33 VECs. Go here: www.vtos.ie
Qualifax is Ireland’s National Learners’ Database, a one-stop shop
for learners, providing comprehensive information on further and
higher education and training courses. Go to www.qualifax.ie
The department’s website has details of job creation
announcements as well as government policies to
address the employment crisis, such as the Action
Plan for Jobs. Find out more at http://www.djei.ie/
The Department of Education and Skills website holds information about
education schemes and initiatives for jobseekers looking to up-skill and retrain
in order to get back to work. FÁS is under the aegis of this government
department. Visit www.education.ie

SUPPORTS FOR JOBSEEKERS
There is a range of supports available from the Department of Social Protection for unemployed people
who wish to engage in enterprise, education and employment. A summary is set out below. For the most
up-to-date, complete details, contact your Local Social Welfare Office or visit the following web link:
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/unemployed.aspx
Customers who sign-off the Live Register to avail of a short-period of work or training: The Department of
Social Protection operates a fast-tracking system for customers who sign off the Live Register to take up
work for a short period (up to 4 weeks) or to go on a short training course (up to 8 weeks). This ensures
that payment is re-instated without delay.
It is important that you inform your social welfare local office in advance that you are taking up work or
training.
Short-Term
Enterprise
Allowance
(STEA)
SUPPORTS FOR ENTERPRISE
If you are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) and you wish to set up an enterprise, you may qualify
immediately for the Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA.) This would replace your JB with a
weekly payment of a similar amount for the remainder of your JB payment period for a
maximum of either 9 or 12 months, depending on your JB entitlement. Certain secondary
benefits such as your medical card may be retained. The business must be approved in advance
by a Facilitator based in a Social Welfare Local Office or your Integrated Local Development
Company (ILDC)/Partnership Company if you reside in a Partnership or ILDC area.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/Pages/STEA.aspx
Back to Work
Enterprise
Allowance
(BTWEA)
If you are getting a social welfare unemployment payment for at least 12 months and you wish
to set up an enterprise, you may qualify for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) for
two years. A person on jobseeker’s benefit must have an underlying entitlement to Jobseekers
Allowance (JA) – otherwise the qualifying period is two years. BTWEA would replace your
current social welfare payment with a weekly payment of similar amount in year one and 75%
of that amount in year two. Certain secondary benefits such as your medical card may be
retained. The business must be approved in advance by a Facilitator based in a Social Welfare
Local Office or your Integrated Local Development Company (ILDC)/Partnership Company if you
reside in a Partnership or ILDC area. If you opt for STEA, you cannot transfer to BTWEA.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EnterpriseAllowance/Pag
es/ea.aspx
Technical
Assistance &
Training Fund
In certain circumstances, grants can be made from the Technical Assistance and Training Fund
to BTWEA and STEA claimants who are establishing an enterprise. Examples include training (in
areas such as bookkeeping and accounts, marketing and computer training). A contribution
towards the cost of Public liability Insurance and small items of essential equipment may also
be made. This scheme is operated by Department of Social Protection Facilitators. You do not
have an automatic entitlement to access the Technical Assistance and Training Fund
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EnterpriseAllowance/Pag
es/ea.aspx
SUPPORTS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Family
Income
Supplement
(FIS)
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is a weekly tax-free payment available to employees on low
pay, with children. It gives extra financial support to people on low pay. To qualify for FIS, your
net average weekly family income must be below a certain limit (based on your family size) and
you must be working at least 19 hours per week or 38 hours per fortnight. The amount you
receive is 60% of the difference between your net family income and the income limit which
applies to your family size.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BirthChildrenAndFamilies/ChildRelatedPayments/Pages/fi
s.aspx
Working
part-time
and keeping
your
jobseeker’s
payment
Employer Job
(PRSI)
Incentive
Scheme
If you find casual or part-time work, it is possible to work part-time and keep all or part of your
jobseeker’s payment. However you must meet all the other conditions for Jobseeker's
Allowance (JA) or Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB). For example, you must be unemployed for at least
three days out of six and you must pass the means test if on JA. You must also continue to
look for full-time work. If you were self-employed, you can continue to do some work while
you are getting Jobseeker’s Allowance provided your income is not above the means limits.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/JobseekersAllowance/Pages/ja
.aspx
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme exempts employers from liability to pay their share
of PRSI for certain employees for 12 months.
To qualify for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, both the job you create and the
person you employ must meet certain criteria.
The person you employ must be on the FÁS Work Placement Programme for at least three
months or be getting one of the following social welfare payments for a continuous period of at
least six months:
Jobseeker's Benefit
Jobseeker's Allowance
One-Parent Family Payment
Disability Allowance
The job must:
Be created in 2010 or 2011
Be a new and additional post/job
Be for at least 30 hours per week
Last for at least six months
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EmployerJobPRSIIncentiv
eScheme/Pages/Emp_PRSI.aspx
Part-time Job
This scheme allows certain long-term unemployed people to take up part-time work for less

Incentive
Scheme
than 24 hours per week and qualify for a weekly allowance instead of their Jobseekers
payment. Participants may also be entitled to Family Income Supplement. The part-time work
must be likely to last at least two months.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW69/Pages/1WhatistheParttimeJobIncentiveScheme.
aspx
Continued
Child
Payment
This scheme provides for continued payment, for up to 13 weeks, of the increase for a qualified
child (IQC), where payable at the full rate, to certain persons who have been receiving
jobseeker's payments (JA/JB) for a year or more and who take up full-time employment for at
least four weeks.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/ContinuedChildPayment/
Pages/ccp.aspx
Tús
Tús is a community work placement scheme that provides short-term working opportunities for
unemployed people. The work opportunities are provided by community and voluntary
organisations in both urban and rural areas. Participants work 19.5 hours a week for 12 months
and their rate of payment is the maximum rate of their social welfare payment plus a weekly
€20 top-up. Participants will, in the first instance, be identified by the Department of Social
Protection. However, not everyone who meets the qualifying criteria will be contacted as
limited places will be available locally.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/RuralandCommunitySupports/Pages/tusfaq.aspx
JobBridge – the
National
Internship
Scheme
The scheme provides up to 5,000 work experience placements in the private, public and
voluntary sectors. The placements are for a 26 or 39-week period. A weekly allowance of €50
per week on top of the existing social welfare entitlement is payable for the period of the
internship. Potential providers of internships (“host organisations”) approach FÁS who will
assess the vacancies to ensure that they are appropriate for the scheme. A list of available
internships with host organisations is available on JobBridge - National Internship Scheme.
Those wishing to avail of an internship apply directly to the host organisation. Applicants must
be currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Credits and
have been unemployed for a minimum period of 78 days in the preceding 6 months. Time
spent on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach,
FIT, Community Employment Schemes, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme,
FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist will count towards the 78 day qualifying period, provided that
the individual has completed these programmes and has signed back on to the Live Register
and is in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance or Jobseeker credits immediately before
commencing on JobBridge.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/Pages/internship_jobbridge.aspx

Work
Placement
Programme
If you are getting a social welfare payment for at least three months, you may be eligible for
the FÁS Work Placement Programme. Under this Programme, you can obtain up to 9 months
unpaid work experience with an employer. In addition, you may be able to retain your social
welfare payment while on the Programme. The Programme is also open to unemployed
people who are not getting a social welfare payment.
Visit www.fas.ie for more details.
Community
Employment
Scheme (CE)
CE is an employment and training programme which helps long-term unemployed people to reenter
the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to
work routine. The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are
based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments.
In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people of 25 or over who are receiving social
welfare payments for 1 year or more and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disabilityrelated
payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of
social welfare payments for 3 years or longer. Certain groups such as members of the travelling
community and refugees aged 18 or over are eligible for both options.
Visit www.fas.ie or contact your local FAS office for details.
Back to
Education
Allowance
(BTEA)
SUPPORTS FOR EDUCATION/TRAINING
You may qualify for Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) if:
o you have been getting a social welfare payment for 3 months (second level course) or 9
months (third level); or
o you are a qualified adult of a person eligible for BTEA or
o you were awarded statutory redundancy and have established entitlement to a social
welfare payment.
o you must be at least 21 years of age (24 years of age for a third-level postgraduate
course).
You can take-up full-time 2 nd /3rd level or post-graduate education and be paid BTEA, instead of
your SW payment, for the duration of your studies.
Note: The postgraduate option of the BTEA scheme is only for people who wish to take a
postgraduate course of study that leads to any Higher Diploma (H. Dip.) qualification in any
discipline, or a postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary Teaching).
Other postgraduate qualifications including a Master's degree are not recognised for BTEA
purposes.
You will not get the BTEA if you already hold a postgraduate qualification.
BTEA is paid at the maximum rate of your current social welfare payment. You also receive an
annual Cost of Education Allowance of €500*. If you were previously getting a jobseeker’s
payment, BTEA is not paid for the summer period between academic years. BTEA participants
who cannot find a job during the summer may claim a jobseeker’s payment, but only if they
satisfy the usual qualifying conditions.

If you wish to attend a second level course you must be getting one of a range of social welfare
payments for at least three months (i.e. 78 days of unemployment) immediately before you
start the course. If you wish to attend a third level course you must be in receipt of one of a
range of social welfare payments for 9 months (i.e. 234 days of unemployment) immediately
before you start the course.
*In Budget 2012 it was announced the Cost of Education Allowance will reduce to €300 in 2012
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BackToEducation/Pages/default.aspx
Part-Time
Education
Option
You may be able to keep your jobseeker’s payment if you start a part-time education or training
course of your choice approved in advance by the Department. Participation on a course does
not grant any extension to the normal period for which Jobseekers Benefit is paid.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BackToEducation/Pages/pteo.aspx
Education,
Training &
Development
Option
If you are getting a jobseeker’s payment for at least six months and you are 21 years or over,
you will retain that payment if you attend education, training or development courses
recommended by the Department.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BackToEducation/Pages/default.aspx
For information booklets, application forms and more information on social welfare services:
Log on to www.welfare.ie
LoCall Information Line at 1890 66 22 44 (from the Republic of Ireland only) or +353 71 91 93313
(from Northern Ireland or overseas).
Drop in to your local Social Welfare Office or Citizens Information Centre