People on Disability Allowance, refugees on Jobseeker's Allowance and people on Jobseeker's Transitional can join without the 12-month wait. Work is local: caring, environment, heritage or community services.
Quick facts
- Pay
- At least €286.50 a week
- Hours
- 19.5 a week
- Length
- Up to 52 weeks
- Qualify
- 12 months unemployed on a jobseeker's payment
- Extra work
- Doesn't cut your Tús pay
- Again
- After 3 years
What it pays
"Since January 2026, the minimum weekly payment for participants (based on 19.5 hours worked) is €286.50." "If your Jobseeker's Allowance payment (including increases for dependants) was €254 a week or less, then you will get the minimum Tús weekly rate of €286.50 (that is €254 plus €32.50)."
"If you have any additional income, for example, from part-time work, it will not affect your Tús payment." "Participants in the Tús scheme are exempt from the Universal Social Charge ."
Who can join
You must "Have been continuously unemployed for at least 12 months and ' signing on ' on a full-time basis and" be on Jobseeker's Allowance or the BOTP payment. No wait for people "18 years of age or over, fully unemployed and getting Disability Allowance (no qualifying period applies, applications by self-referral only)", refugees on JA, or JST recipients.
The rules
"Work placements are for a maximum of 52 weeks. Tús participants work 19.5 hours per week." You get normal annual leave and public holidays. "You cannot participate in the Tús scheme again for 3 years."
If you're on Jobseeker's Allowance and offered a place: "If you refuse a work opportunity without good reason, you can have your social welfare payment reduced or terminated." You can appeal within 60 days.
Getting a place
Intreo usually contacts people who qualify, but you can refer yourself at your Intreo Centre. Places are limited.
Common questions
How much does Tús pay?
At least €286.50 a week in 2026: your Jobseeker's Allowance rate plus €32.50, for 19.5 hours' work.
Who qualifies for Tús?
People unemployed and on a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, plus people on Disability Allowance, refugees on JA and JST recipients without a wait.
Can I work part-time on Tús?
Yes. Other part-time income doesn't affect your Tús payment.
How long is Tús?
Up to 52 weeks, and you can't do it again for 3 years.