Short-Time Work Support is a form of Jobseeker's Benefit and is an income support payment for people who have been temporarily placed on a shorter working week by their employer.
This payment is made in respect of the days of work that have been lost.
Short-Time Work must be systematic and show a clear repetitive pattern of employment. Employees must also work at least 1 day each week that you would normally have worked.
For example, your working week has been reduced from a 5 day work pattern to a 3 day work pattern, you may receive a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment for the other 2 days. For example, your work pattern based on a fortnightly period has reduced to 2 days in the first week and 3 days in the second week, you may receive a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment for the other days lost.
Short-Time Work Support is paid for a maximum of 234 days depending on the number of PRSI Contributions you have paid.
Employees must satisfy the same PRSI Conditions that you would need to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit.
To qualify for Short-Time Work Support, you must be:
- temporarily working a standard reduced weekly work pattern
- systematically working 3 days or less per week having previously worked full-time
- be under 66 years of age
- be capable of work and be available for full-time work
- have enough paid or credited social insurance (PRSI) contributions at class A , class H , class S or class P
Your rate of payment will depend on your average weekly earnings in the governing contribution year and the change in your work pattern. For example, if you are placed on a 3 day work pattern having previously worked 5 days, you may be entitled to up €81.20 for the 2 days you are no longer working. This represents two fifths of the maximum weekly rate of Jobseeker's Benefit of €203.
You may also get an increased rate of payment for a qualified adult and qualified children.
Short-Time Work Support is not taxable.
The quickest way to apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit is through MyWelfare.ie.
If you complete your form online, you can then send on the UP14 form completed by your employer.
Employees can also apply for Short-Time Work Support at their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
You should apply as soon as your days have been reduced otherwise you could lose some payment.
To apply, you will need the following documents along with the application form:
- identification – your public service card, passport or driving licence
- proof of your address – a utility bill or letter from a government department
Your employer must also complete the form below:
Employer Declaration: Casual/Part-time/Short-time Employment (UP80)
Updated: August 2021
You must inform us of the days of employment and unemployment for each week you are on a reduced working pattern.
You can now declare the days you are working and not working online through www.MyWelfare.ie This means that you will not have to submit paper dockets each week to your local Intreo Centre/Social Welfare Branch Office.
Please see our guide to part-time/casual/short-time work online certification for further information.
Further information about Short-Time Working can be found in the booklet below:
Short-Time Working Booklet
Information booklet on Short-time Work Support (available under Jobseekers Benefit Scheme)
You can appeal a decision if you are unhappy with it. You should appeal within 21 days of the decision and you can ask for an oral hearing.
An appeals officer, whose decision is final, will then decide your case. Some cases can be decided without an oral hearing.
If new information comes to light or your circumstances change, you can apply for the Short-Time Work Support scheme again.
Operational guidelines describe the processes and procedures that staff in the department follow when carrying out their work:
