Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2024
98. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the options open to school staff who have to sign on for job seekers benefit during the school holidays, in the context that the payments often arrive after the holiday, making it impossible for them to pay bills, buy food, and so on, with particular reference to the reason the payment is so reduced and delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25849/24]
View answerEducational Sector Workers (ESWs) who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
A person should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. Initially, when a person makes an application for Jobseeker’s Benefit, 3 waiting days apply and payment is made from the 4th day of the claim where there is no accrued holiday entitlement from their employer. If, however, a person makes a repeat claim for Jobseeker’s Benefit within 26 weeks of their previous claim, the repeat claim links to the earlier claim and no waiting days apply.
A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where a person is not in receipt of holiday pay from their employer for those days and where they also satisfy the conditions of the scheme.
Educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
My Department ensures that all claims are decided in a timely manner but delays may occur if all documentation, including if there is a delay with having the Holiday Entitlement Form (Form UP2c/d) completed by an employer.
It should be noted that there is no specific scheme available for Educational Sector Works when they are temporarily laid-off during all the school breaks. The appropriate scheme is jobseeker’s subject to the person meeting all the qualifying conditions. I would advise that those Educational Sector Workers who feel that they satisfy all the qualifying conditions for a payment to apply when they are temporary laid-off from their employment at school breaks. However, if a person experiences financial difficulties while awaiting a social welfare payment they may contact their local Community Welfare Service for support.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
