People on One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension qualify straight away. You keep increases for a partner and children, and extras like Fuel Allowance.
Quick facts
- Pay
- €369 a week
- Hours
- 30 a week over 4 or 5 days
- Length
- 6 months
- Qualifying time
- 4 months (under 30), 6 months (over 30)
- Training grant
- Up to €1,000
- Voluntary
- Yes
What it offers
"You will be paid a weekly WPEP allowance of €369 by DSP." You work "30 hours per week Over 4 or 5 days For 6 months (26 weeks)", including 60 hours of training, with a mentor and a reference at the end.
"You can get a Training Support Grant of up to €1,000 if needed." "You will be entitled to all the public holidays and 11 days of annual leave during your 6-month placement."
Who can apply
You must be 18 to 65, unemployed, and on a qualifying payment for "At least 4 months (104 days) if you are under age 30, or At least 6 months (156 days) if you are over age 30". On OFP, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension: "You will automatically qualify for WPEP. You do not need to meet the 4- or 6-month qualifying period."
"Taking part is voluntary. You will not lose your payment if you don't do the scheme or if you drop out." "Your WPEP payment will not be reduced because of part-time work."
Applying
Placements are advertised on jobsireland.ie, where you apply. You and the host fill in a joint form. You can do 2 placements, with different hosts.
Common questions
How much is WPEP?
€369 a week, plus any increases for a partner, children and secondary benefits you already get.
Who can do WPEP?
People aged 18 to 65 who are unemployed and on a qualifying payment for 4 months (under 30) or 6 months (over 30). OFP, DA and Blind Pension recipients qualify immediately.
Is WPEP compulsory?
No. It's voluntary, and you won't lose your payment if you don't take part or drop out.
Can I work part-time on WPEP?
Yes, with a different employer, as long as it doesn't clash with your placement hours. Your WPEP payment won't be reduced.