The higher €10,000 rate is for people over 50 after 12 months unemployed, anyone under 50 after 24 months, and Travellers, Roma and people with a recent criminal record or addiction history.
Quick facts
- Grant
- €7,500 or €10,000 per hire
- Paid over
- 18 months
- Job
- 30+ hours a week over 4+ days
- Tax
- Not taxable
- Limit on hires
- None
- Not backdated
- Starts when the jobseeker claim closes
How it works
"The levels are €7,500 or €10,000 and they depend on the age of the employee and the length of time they are getting a qualifying payment." "This is paid monthly, in arrears, over a period of 18 months by the Department of Social Protection (DSP)."
"There is no limit to the number of employees you can hire through JobsPlus." "It is not taxable for income or corporation tax purposes."
Who counts
€7,500 for under-30s after 4 months on a jobseeker's payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension; for 30 to 50 after 12 months; and straight away for refugees and people on Jobseeker's Transitional.
€10,000 for under-50s after 24 months, over-50s after 12 months, and Travellers, Roma and people with a recent criminal record or addiction history after 4 months.
For employers
Private, community and voluntary employers registered for PAYE and tax-compliant qualify. You must "Offer full-time employment of at least 30 hours per week, over a minimum of 4 days." Apprenticeships and training schemes don't count.
The candidate gets a JP1 form confirming eligibility. "Part B of the JP1 form should be sent to the JobsPlus within 30 days after the candidate starts work." "Your payment of JobsPlus only starts when the DSP confirms the employee's jobseeker claim is closed. The DSP will not backdate the incentive."
For the person hired
"People who have been unemployed for at least 12 months can keep their medical card for 3 years when they take up new employment." With children, Working Family Payment and the Back to Work Family Dividend may apply too.
Common questions
How much is JobsPlus?
€7,500 or €10,000 per eligible employee, paid monthly to the employer over 18 months.
Is JobsPlus taxable?
No. It isn't taxable for income or corporation tax purposes.
What hours must a JobsPlus job be?
At least 30 hours a week, over at least 4 days.
Can I keep my medical card if I get a job?
If you've been unemployed at least 12 months, you can keep it for 3 years when you start work.