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Volunteer Development Worker Scheme
From Department of Social Protection
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A person is classified as a Volunteer Development Worker (VDW) if they are working temporarily outside Ireland in a developing country and their work has been arranged through Irish Aid.
Volunteer Development Workers who go abroad to work in developing countries are exempt from paying Social Insurance contributions while abroad.
They are awarded credited contributions for the duration of their absence, up to an aggregate of 5 years. For more information click here.
To qualify to be a Volunteer Development Worker, you must be:
- employed under conditions of pay which are similar to local conditions in the developing country
- over 16 years of age
- resident in Ireland prior to departure
The work should be arranged through:
- a non-governmental agency in Ireland, or
- a governmental or non-governmental agency in any member of the European Union (other than Ireland), or
- the government of the developing country
Comhlámh, on behalf of Irish Aid, verifies the credentials of the Sending Agency and verifies that a VDW is working overseas on “Volunteer Terms”.
Following that validation process, Comhlámh contacts the Special Collection Section and the period of assignment is noted.
Note: Members of religious orders whose work involves pastoral duties do not qualify for this scheme.
To apply, complete the form below:
Volunteer Development Worker Scheme (VOL DEV 1)
Application from for Volunteer Development Worker Scheme
Download
Volunteer Development Worker Scheme Booklet (SW15)
Your guide to The Volunteer Development Worker Scheme (August 2020)
DownloadSend the completed form to:
PRSI Special Collection Section
Address:
Social Welfare Services Office, Cork Road
, Waterford
Email:
Phone number:
