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Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

What is the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme?

The Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJI) is a program designed to assist long-term unemployed individuals in transitioning back to the workforce. It allows people to take up part-time employment for less than 24 hours per week while still receiving a special weekly income supplement. Even while on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, it's expected that you are actively seeking and available for full-time employment.

How to Qualify for Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme:

To be eligible for Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, you must be fully unemployed and have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (UP1) for at least 390 days. You should also be receiving a higher jobseeker's payment than the rate which you would be entitled to on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.

Time spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), if immediately followed by receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, can count towards the 390-day qualifying period.

There are a few additional requirements:

  • You must agree to remain on the scheme for at least two months.
  • You must pay a PRSI contribution at class A or J. If you earn €38.00 or more a week, it will be insurable at Class A, while if you earn less than €38.00, it will be insurable at Class J.
  • The total hours you work must be less than 24 per week. This can be spread across more than one job as long as the combined hours are under the limit.
  • If you transition to full-time work, you will no longer be eligible for Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, regardless of how brief the full-time employment period was.
  • Smallholders are not permitted to take part in the scheme.

    • Rates of Payment:

    If you qualify for the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme, you can receive:

  • €139.40 per week if you are single.
  • €227.30 per week for a couple.

    • These rates do not include any increases for children. The allowance is paid regardless of your earnings from your part-time job, but these wages will be subject to normal taxation.

    Every four weeks, both you and your employer must complete a PTJI 2 form to verify that you have worked less than 24 hours per week and that you are insurably employed. This form should be returned promptly to your local Intreo Centre to prevent any disruption to your payments.

    How to Apply:

    Once you have secured a part-time job, you should contact your local Intreo Centre. to apply. You will be asked to complete the PTJI1 application formand give details of your part-time employment.

    Complete the form and return it to your local Intreo Centre. The Case Manager there will be able to give you more information on the Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme and on any other available options.

    Your employer must complete form PTJI2 at the end of each 4-week period to confirm the hours that you worked and that you are insurably employed.

    You must sign a declaration (using the same form) confirming that you worked less than 24 hours each week.

    You must return this form to your local Intreo Centre. If there is any delay in returning this form, payment is suspended until the form is received.

    Payment is made weekly into your bank account.

    The relevant Jobseeker's Allowance claim is examined in conjunction with the details given on the application form to determine if the person is eligible for participation in the scheme. Where the conditions are satisfied, the claim is awarded. The person is then given a form PTJI 2 for completion by both themselves and their employer at the end of each four week period.