What is the Part-time Job Incentive Scheme?

If you are getting Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA), the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJI) allows you to take up a part-time job and get a special weekly allowance instead of jobseeker’s payment.

How does the Part-time Job Incentive Scheme work?

With the PTJI, you can work for up to 24 hours a week and you will still retain your Jobseeker’s Allowance for one year. The payment helps people to transition to full-time work.

Who is eligible for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?

In order to be eligible for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be working for 24 hours a week or less
• You must have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 15 months immediately before taking up part-time work. Days of unemployment on Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) count this if you were getting JB immediately before you got Jobseeker’s Allowance
• You must be getting a weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance of at least €147 if you are single or €239.70 if you are getting an increase for a qualified adult

What kind of work can I do on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?

You can do more than one part-time job but the total hours worked must be less than 24. The part-time job you get must be likely to last at least two months.

How long can I be on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme for?

You must also agree to remain on the scheme for two months. You can stay on the PTJI scheme for one year but this may be extended for a further period.

How to apply for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

Once you have secured your part-time job, you should contact your local social welfare office or Intreo centre to apply for the scheme.

Your employer will have to fill out a form every four weeks to confirm the hours you have worked.If you are unemployed and returning to work or education, you may be entitled to receive other social welfare payments. Find out more about what social welfare payments you can retain when you enter employment.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back