Some Information on Job Seekers Allowance

Means Test: Jobseeker’s Allowance is a means-tested payment. This means that any savings, investments, property (other than your own home), and income from employment or self-employment that you or your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant have can / will affect any rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance you may qualify for.

Habitual Residence Condition: In order to qualify for a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment, you must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC). To satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) you must: have the right to live in the State with permission to access social welfare services and show that you are habitually resident using the five factors outlined in legislation. The five factors are:

• how long you have lived and intend to continue living in Ireland or in any other country

• the length and reason for any absence from Ireland

• the nature and pattern of your employment,

• your main place of interest

• your future intentions to live in Ireland

Genuinely Seeking Work: In order to qualify for a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment, you may be required to provide information / details of your efforts to seek and find full-time employment to the Department of Social Protection. You must be Genuinely Seeking Work (GSW) to qualify for, and to continue to receive, a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment.

Activation/Engagement: You will be required to engage with any appointed DSP Case Officer or any other persons you are referred to by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) including in the provision of services and support to assist you in training / retraining / upskilling and seeking employment

Time Limit: Jobseeker’s Allowance is not a time-limited payment. It is paid if you satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition, Means Test and if you can show that you are Genuinely Seeking Work (GSW) – in accordance with GSW requirements.

Education and Training: You can only engage in education or training while in receipt of a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment with the permission and approval of the Department of Social Protection. This includes any engagement in part-time education or full-time education. If you engage in any education which could be perceived to affect your status as a jobseeker in relation to looking for / being available for full-time employment, your jobseekers’ payment could be subject to review and could be stopped.