Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
574. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection to establish a system in which education sector workers who claim jobseeker's payment during the summer months, Christmas holidays, Easter holidays and mid-term breaks could apply for this benefit weeks in advance of said holidays, to facilitate their applications being processed prior to the break in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra575. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection if a process will be considered where seasonal workers, including teachers with temporary contracts, can apply for jobseeker's benefit in advance of the summer, allowing their payment decision to be paid before their contract ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
Educational Sector Workers (ESWs), including teachers with temporary contracts on school breaks and seasonal workers, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. They must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Applications for a jobseeker’s payment cannot be made in advance of a person finishing employment. This also applies to teachers with temporary contracts on school breaks and seasonal workers. Applications should only be made by the person on the first day of their unemployment.
My department has recently introduced improvements to the application process for people who are temporarily laid off and whose employment is based around the school or academic year. These enhancements include a new online application process for ESWs to submit their jobseeker's claim through MyWelfare.ie.
ESWs can now self-declare the number of holiday days they will receive from their employer for the school break, directly as part of their online jobseeker’s application, without the need to have forms completed by their employer. The removal of the employer form from the process allows for decisions to be made in a more efficient and timely manner.
Alternatively, if a person does not wish to apply for a jobseeker’s payment online they can complete the new ESW 1 application form. This form has also been improved to ensure claims can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
