Part Time Job Incentive Scheme

The Part-Time Job Incentive (PTJI) Scheme allows certain people getting Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) to take up part-time work and get a special weekly allowance instead of their jobseeker’s payment. This aims to help people transition to full-time work. Participants must be available for and seeking full-time work while they are on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.

People can be on the PTJI Scheme if they get part-time work for less than 24 hours per week and immediately before that you were:

On long-term Jobseekers Allowance for at least 390 days (15 months).

Getting a weekly JA payment of at least €

They have to commit to remain on the scheme for 2 months. The total hours worked must be less than 24. The part-time job must be likely to last at least 2 months. Self employed people are not eligible.

Pewople can stay on the PTJI scheme for one year. This may be extended for a further period. They must continue to look for full-time work.

What are the Rates of Payment?

Instead of your usual payment, you will get a weekly allowance of:

· €147 per week if you are single

· €239.70 per week if you are getting an increase for a qualified adult

There are no increases in these rates for qualified children. The allowance is paid regardless of how much you earn in your job. The allowance is not taxable. But wages will be taxable in the usual way.

How to apply

When people have secured the part-time job, they should contact their Intreo office.

There are no secondary benefits paid while the person is on the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme. They can can keep their medical card for a maximum of 3 years. You can continue to qualify forRent Supplement but their earnings are taken into account in the calculation.