What is the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme in Ireland?

The Part-Time Job Incentive (PTJI) scheme allows people who are long-term unemployed (at least 15 months on Jobseeker's Allowance) to take up part-time work of up to 24 hours per week while receiving a special flat-rate weekly payment from DSP instead of their normal JA payment. The aim is to ease the transition back into employment and to make part-time work financially worthwhile.

Who qualifies for the Part-Time Job Incentive in Ireland?

To qualify: you must have been receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 15 months; be aged 18 or over; take up a part-time job (under 24 hours per week); and be referred to the scheme by your Intreo case officer (you cannot apply directly without a referral). The job must be a genuine part-time position — not a full-time position with artificially reduced hours.

How much is the Part-Time Job Incentive payment in 2026?

The PTJI payment in 2026 is €159.18 per week for a single person. An increase of €112 per week is payable for an adult dependant, and €34 per child per week. These rates are lower than Jobseeker's Allowance personal rate (€232), but are paid on top of your part-time earnings — making the overall weekly income significantly higher than JA alone.

Can I earn any amount while on the Part-Time Job Incentive?

You can earn any amount in your part-time job — there is no earnings cap or taper on the PTJI weekly payment. Your PTJI payment stays the same regardless of how much you earn (unlike JA, where earnings reduce your payment). This means all additional earnings from work are yours to keep in full.

How long can I stay on the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme?

PTJI can be received for up to 2 years in total. After 2 years, you must either take up full-time employment, return to Jobseeker's Allowance, or explore other employment support options with your Intreo case officer.

What happens to PRSI entitlements while on the Part-Time Job Incentive?

While on PTJI and working part-time, your employer deducts PRSI from your wages in the normal way. This builds your PRSI contribution record, which is important for future entitlements such as Jobseeker's Benefit, Maternity Benefit, and State Pension. The DSP payment also attracts PRSI Class A credits in some cases.

Social Welfare · Employment

Part-Time Job Incentive Ireland 2026

The Part-Time Job Incentive (PTJI) helps long-term unemployed people return to work gradually. Take up a part-time job of under 24 hours per week and receive €159.18 from DSP on top of your wages — with no earnings cap. Available to those 15+ months on Jobseeker's Allowance.

Reading time: 4 minutesLast updated: June 24, 2026

PART-TIME JOB INCENTIVE — AT A GLANCE

PTJI weekly payment (single)	€159.18
Adult dependant increase	€112 per week
Child dependant increase	€34 per child per week
Part-time hours allowed	Up to 24 hours per week
Earnings cap?	None — keep all wages on top of PTJI
JA requirement to qualify	Minimum 15 months on Jobseeker's Allowance
Maximum duration on scheme	2 years
How to access	Via Intreo case officer referral (not direct application)

Income comparison — JA vs PTJI

Example: Part-time work earning €300 per week (15 hours × €20/hour).

Scenario	DSP payment	Net earnings	Total weekly income
Jobseeker's Allowance (no work)	€232	€0	€232
JA with part-time earnings (means-tested)	Reduced	€300	~€350–400
Part-Time Job Incentive	€159.18	€300	€459.18

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Key advantage: Under standard JA, your wages are means-tested and reduce your JA payment. Under PTJI, you receive the flat DSP payment in addition to your full wages — no reduction for earnings. This makes part-time work much more rewarding financially for those who qualify.

Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.

Reviewed by

Vitor Alves

Founder of D’Emilia Accounting

Founder of D’Emilia Accounting, helping immigrants navigate Irish tax and benefits.

Last reviewed: June 24, 2026 · About this site

Frequently asked questions

How do I get referred to the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme?

You cannot apply directly. The referral comes from your Intreo case officer during an activation meeting. If you have been on JA for 15+ months and find part-time work, ask your case officer about PTJI at your next meeting. Once confirmed eligible, you switch from standard JA to PTJI and your DSP payment changes.

Do I still need to look for full-time work while on PTJI?

The scheme is designed as a transitional measure — DSP expects that you use the part-time work as a stepping stone to full-time employment. Continued engagement with Intreo activation measures is required. However, the immediate obligation to be available for full-time work is relaxed while you are working part-time.

Can I work more than 24 hours per week on PTJI?

No. PTJI is specifically for part-time work under 24 hours per week. If your hours exceed 24, you are no longer eligible for PTJI. You may instead qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance with part-time earnings assessed under normal means rules.

What if my employer offers me full-time hours while I am on PTJI?

If you transition to full-time work (24+ hours), PTJI ends. You may then be entitled to the Back to Work Family Dividend (if you have dependent children) which keeps a tapering proportion of your welfare payment for up to 2 years after taking full-time employment.

Is PTJI available to people who were on Jobseeker's Benefit (not Allowance)?

No. PTJI is specifically for those who have been receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 15 months. Those on Jobseeker's Benefit (the PRSI-based payment) do not qualify, though similar work incentive arrangements may be discussed with an Intreo case officer.

Does self-employment count as "part-time work" for PTJI purposes?

No. PTJI is designed for employees taking up part-time employment with a payroll employer (PAYE). Self-employment income is assessed differently. If you are becoming self-employed, consider the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance as an alternative support.

Official sources

This page reflects Part-Time Job Incentive scheme rates and eligibility for 2026.