JOBSEEKERS' DIRECTORY

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