Pays
€160.90 a week single
€262.40 with a qualified adult
Take a part-time job on Jobseeker’s Allowance and your payment is normally cut by a means test. The Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme replaces that with a flat weekly allowance — your earnings do not reduce it. It is meant as a stepping stone to full-time work, and it is one of the few routes where working more does not immediately cost you.
Quick facts
- Pays
- €160.90 a week single · €262.40 with a qualified adult
- Hours
- Under 24 a week, across all jobs
- You need
- 312 days on long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Commit to
- Staying on the scheme 2 months
Who can use it
You can take part if you get part-time work for less than 24 hours per week and, immediately before that, you were:
- On long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 312 days. Days on Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed), Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit or the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment can count towards the 312 days if you were getting that payment immediately before Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Getting a weekly JA payment of at least €160.90 if single, or €262.40 with an increase for a qualified adult.
You must undertake to remain on the scheme for 2 months. You can hold more than one part-time job, but the total hours must stay under 24. The job must be likely to last at least 2 months and be insurable at PRSI Class A or J.
What it pays in 2026
Instead of your usual payment you get €160.90 a week if you are single, or €262.40 if you are getting an increase for a qualified adult.
How long it lasts
Initially one year, and it may be extended. You must keep looking for full-time work throughout. If you get full-time work, lose it, and then get another part-time job, you can return to your original Part-Time Job Incentive claim.
How to apply for the Part-Time Job Incentive
Get the part-time job first
Once you have the job, contact your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office to apply.
Your employer fills in a form every 4 weeks
Your employer fills in form PTJI2 every 4 weeks to confirm your hours.
Sign that you worked under 24 hours
On the same form, you sign to say you worked less than 24 hours each week.
Send the form back on time
Return the form to your office quickly, because your payment stops until they get it.
Ask for a review if refused
You cannot go to the Appeals Office, but you can appeal to the officer in charge locally.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Application form
- PTJI1
- Every 4 weeks: hours form your employer fills in
- PTJI2
- If you are refused
- Appeal to the officer in charge of the scheme at your local Intreo Centre or branch office.
From the official pages (citizensinformation.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
How much does the Part-Time Job Incentive pay?
How many hours can I work?
How long do I need to have been on Jobseeker’s Allowance?
Can I use it if I am self-employed?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
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