Signing on

Introduction

If you lose your job, are made redundant, laid off or your working hours are reduced you may qualify for a social welfare payment either Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit.

To get either of these payments you must apply at your Social Welfare Local Office. When you apply you declare you are unemployed an actively seeking work. This is also known as signing on.

If you are laid off or are still working, but your working hours are reduced, you may also qualify for a jobseeker's payment.

If you leave work voluntarily or as a result of misconduct you cannot get a jobseeker’s payment for 9 weeks. However, if you have ‘good cause’ to leave voluntarily, for example, any changes in working conditions such as a reduction in pay, harassment or abuse from your employer, you may get your payment. The Deciding Officer in your Social Welfare Local Office will decide if you had good cause to leave voluntarily.

If you are self-employed you may get a jobseeker’s payment if you closed your business or the amount of work you are getting has sufficiently reduced. Find out more about self-employed and unemployment.

The difference between Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance

To get Jobseeker’s Benefit you must have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions. Jobseeker's Benefit rates are graduated according to earnings. If you are affected by this, it may of greater benefit for you to claim Jobseeker's Allowance.

To get Jobseeker’s Allowance you must pass a means test. A means test is when your income is calculated to find out if it falls below a certain level. If it falls below a certain level you can get Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Find out more about Jobseeker’s Benefit.

Find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Signing on for the first time

To sign on you must go to your Social Welfare Local Office. When you get there you may have to take a numbered ticket and join a queue. When it is your turn you go to the desk or hatch to talk to a member of staff.

You may be able to make an appointment to attend your Social Welfare Local Office. However, not all Social Welfare Local Offices have an appointment system. Contact your Social Welfare Local Office to find out if you can get an appointment.

When you apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance you must bring the correct documents with you. If you don’t have all of the necessary documents you should still apply and send in your documents as soon as possible. If you have difficulties getting some of the documents please tell the staff in your Social Welfare Local Office. They may be able to help.

You will always be assessed for Jobseeker’s Benefit first, unless you have never worked before. If you don’t qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit you will be assessed for Jobseeker’s Allowance. However, you will not need to apply for a second time, usually when you apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit you will be asked if you want to be assessed for Jobseeker’s Allowance if your claim for Jobseeker’s Benefit is unsuccessful.

Getting paid

Your jobseeker’s payment is paid weekly by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

You can collect your jobseeker’s payment weekly from your nearest Post Office. You must bring valid photographic identification with you to collect your payment. 

The following is considered as valid photographic identification (photo ID):

• Driving licence
• Passport
• GNIB card.

Staff working in the Post Office may ask to see your photo ID before giving you your payment.

Signing on every month

You must go to the Social Welfare Local Office usually every month and declare you are still unemployed and looking for work. Your Social Welfare Local Office will give you a date and a time to sign on each month.

In some cases you may sign on more or less frequently. Usually if you live up to 10 miles from the nearest Social Welfare Local Office you will sign on every 4 weeks. If you live over 10 miles from the nearest Social Welfare Local Office you will sign on every 12 weeks.

You may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are waiting to be assessed for a jobseeker’s payment or if you don’t qualify for a jobseeker’s payment.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides a basic weekly allowance to eligible people who have little or no income. If your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, a payment may be made to bring your income up to the appropriate Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate.

If you have claimed a jobseeker’s payment but it has not yet been paid and you have no other income, you may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are waiting for your payment.

Other benefits

If you get Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit or Supplementary Welfare Allowance you may also be entitled to other social welfare and health benefits.

Health

If you income is below a certain amount you may get a medical card or a GP visit card.

Housing

You may get help with mortgage interest repayments or help with paying your rent. If you are in local authority housing you should contact your local authority and ask for a review of your rent because of the reduction in your income.

Children at school

You may get help with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children attending school. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme operates from 1 June to 30 September each year.

Exceptional and urgent needs

If you have an exceptional or urgent need, for example, help with a funeral bill, there are a range of discretionary payments provided by the Community Welfare Officer in your local Health Centre.