As many households continue to struggle amid the cost of living crisis, there is a welcome cash boost available for workers thanks to a little known scheme.
Workers could get €227 a week on top of their wages due to the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, RSVP Live reports. It is designed as a stepping stone to full time work, but you must meet certain criteria to avail of it.
You must be available for and seeking full-time work while you are on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme. Here's everything you need to know about who is eligible, and how to apply.
Read more: Cost of living: Barnardos say parents can't see 'way out' amid current crisis
What is the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?
The Part-Time Job Incentive (PTJI) Scheme is designed to allow 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.
The scheme is intended to be a stepping stone to full-time work. You must be available for and seeking full-time work while you are on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.
How much is the payment worth?
Instead of your usual payment, you will get a weekly allowance of:
- €139.40 per week if you are single
- €227.30 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 also paid regardless of how much you earn in your job.
While the allowance is not taxable, your wages will be taxable in the usual way.
Who is eligible for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?
You can participate in the PTJI Scheme if you get part-time work for less than 24 hours per week and immediately before that you were:
- On long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) for at least 390 days (15 months). Days of unemployment on Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) count towards the 390 days if you were getting JB immediately before you got Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Getting a weekly JA payment of at least €139.40 if you are single or €227.30 if you are getting an increase for a qualified adult.
You must also undertake to remain on the scheme for 2 months. 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 2 months and be insurable at PRSI Class A or J. If you get full-time work you may not return to the PTJI Scheme at the end of your full-time work no matter how short it was. Self-employed people are not eligible for this scheme.
How can you apply for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?
Once you have gotten a part-time job, you can contact your Intreo Centre or local Social Welfare Branch Office to enquire about and to apply for the PTJI scheme.
You will be asked to complete the application form PTJI1 and give details of your part-time employment. Your employer then has to complete form PTJI2 at the end of each 4-week period to confirm the hours that you worked and that you are insurably employed.
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