Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

The Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJI) is a scheme which allows persons who are unemployed for at least 312 days to take up part-time employment for less than 24 hours per week and receive a special weekly income supplement. You must be genuinely seeking work and available for full-time work while you are on PTJI.

You may qualify for PTJI if you are fully unemployed, in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 312 days and in receipt of a higher rate of jobseeker's allowance than the rate to which you would be entitled on Part-Time Job Incentive.

You must agree to remain on the scheme for at least two months.

Time spent on Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-employed) or Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit can count towards the 312 days.

Those under the age of 25 may now qualify for the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme, if their rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance is higher than the Part-Time Job Incentive rate. Where the Jobseeker’s Allowance rate remains below the Part-Time Job Incentive rate, Part-Time Job Incentive is not payable.

You must pay a PRSI contribution at class A or J and the total hours you work must be less than 24 per week. If you earn €38.00 or more a week, it will be insurable at Class A. If you earn less than €38.00, it will be insurable at Class J.

If your PTJI claim stops without using up the full entitlement because your part-time job ends, and you then get another part-time job within 52 weeks of the original job ending, the remaining entitlement of PTJI may continue with the new employer.

You may have more than one job provided the jobs satisfy the conditions for PTJI and the total number of hours worked is less than 24 each week.

Smallholders are not permitted to take part in the scheme.

You will get a weekly allowance of:

• €160.90 per week if you are single
• €262.40 for a couple

The rate you receive at the start of your claim will remain the same for the duration of your entitlement regardless as to whether there is a break in the claim. There are no increases in these rates for any children. The allowance is paid regardless of how much you earn in your job. However, your wages will be taxable in the usual way.

Payment is made each week to your bank account.

Both you and your employer must complete form PTJI 2 at the end of each 4-week period. This is necessary to confirm that you worked for less than 24 hours each week and that you are insurably employed.

To avoid any break in your payment, it is recommended that the completed form is returned promptly to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

Once you have secured a part-time job, you should contact your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office to apply. You will be asked to complete the application form PTJI 1 and give details of your part-time employment.

Complete application form PTJI 1 (linked below) and return it to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. 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 or Social Welfare Branch Office. 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.

Support

Should you require further support please contact the department’s Income Support Helpline:

Operational Guidelines: Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme