2 days lost
Up to €101.60 a week (single)
It is a form of Jobseeker's Benefit, so it depends on your PRSI contributions, not your household income. Apply as soon as your days are cut.
Quick facts
- 2 days lost
- Up to €101.60 a week (single)
- 3 days lost
- Up to €152.40 a week (single)
- 4 days lost
- Up to €203.20 a week (single)
- Means test
- None
- How long
- Up to 6 or 9 months, by PRSI
- Apply
- MyWelfare.ie plus form UP80 from your employer
Who can get it — the full rules
You must be temporarily working 3 days or less a week, having worked full-time before. The shorter week must be a standard pattern set by your employer.
You must also be under 66, able and available for full-time work, and meet the same PRSI conditions as Jobseeker's Benefit. If you do not have enough PRSI contributions, you may be able to get the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance instead.
How much it pays
You are paid a share of the Jobseeker's Benefit rate of €254 for each day you lost. The maximum rates for a single person are €101.60 for 2 days lost, €152.40 for 3 days and €203.20 for 4 days.
For a couple without children, the maximum is €169 for 2 days lost, €253.50 for 3 days and €338 for 4 days. Your actual rate depends on your PRSI record and average weekly earnings.
It is not taxable. It is paid for up to 6 months or 9 months, depending on how many PRSI contributions you have paid.
How to apply
Apply as soon as your days are cut
Apply straight away, otherwise you could lose some payment.
Apply online at MyWelfare.ie
This is the quickest way; you can also apply at your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office. After age 66, you must apply on the paper form UP1 instead.
Get your employer to fill in form UP80
Send on the UP80 employer declaration after you complete your online form.
Declare your days each week
Tell the Department which days you worked and did not work each week, online through MyWelfare.ie.
Things to watch
The Department will reassess your claim if short-time work goes on for a long time. If you are refused, you should appeal within 60 days of the decision.
If you are 66 and have not drawn down your State Pension (Contributory), you can claim up to age 70. You will not get credited contributions after 66, which may affect your pension. After 66, you must apply on a paper form, UP1, which you get from your local Intreo Office or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- National Intreo Contact Centre (Income Support Helpline)
- 0818 405060
- Apply online
- MyWelfare.ie
- Appeal online
- www.MyWelfare.ie
- Your employer fills in
- Employer Declaration: Casual/Part-time/Short-time Employment (UP80)
- Aged 66 to 70: paper claim
- paper application (UP1)
- Jobseeker's Benefit: how long a decision takes
- Jobseeker's Benefit claims took 1 week on average at the end of August 2026. The target is 90% within 3 weeks.
- If you are refused
- Appeal within 60 days of the decision. You can ask for an oral hearing.
From the official pages (gov.ie, data.oireachtas.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is Short Time Work Support?
A form of Jobseeker's Benefit for people whose employer has temporarily cut their working week. It pays you for the days you lost.
How much is Short Time Work Support?
Up to €101.60 a week for a single person who loses 2 days, €152.40 for 3 days and €203.20 for 4 days.
Is Short Time Work Support means tested?
No. It depends on your PRSI contributions, and it is not taxable.
What form does my employer fill in for Short Time Work Support?
Your employer completes form UP80, the Employer Declaration for casual, part-time or short-time employment.