Community work placement — €32.50/week top-up on your Jobseeker's rate
Tús Scheme Ireland 2026
Tús provides community work placements of 19.5 hours per week for people who have been on Jobseeker\'s Allowance for 12 months or more. Your JA payment is replaced by a Tús payment of the same rate plus a €32.50/week top-up — a €286.50 minimum.
Tus Scheme 2026 — At a glance
- Weekly payment
- JA rate + €32.50/week top-up (€286.50 minimum)
- Hours per week
- 19.5 hours
- Duration
- 12 months (extendable to 24)
- How to join
- DSP referral only — ask your Intreo case officer
Tús vs Community Employment (CE) scheme
| Tús | CE Scheme | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly payment | JA rate + €32.50 top-up | JA rate + €32.50 top-up |
| Hours per week | 19.5 | 19.5 |
| Duration | 12 months (max 24) | Up to 3 years |
| Training component | Minimal | Structured training |
| Eligibility — time unemployed | 12+ months on JA | 12+ months (varies) |
| Run by | Local development companies | Community sponsors |
| How to join | DSP referral | Direct application or referral |
Eligibility
- You are currently receiving Jobseeker\'s Allowance
- You have been on the live register for at least 12 months
- You are available to work 19.5 hours per week
- You are aged 18 or over
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tús scheme?
A 12-month community work placement for people on Jobseeker's Allowance for 12+ months. 19.5 hours/week, paid at your JA rate plus a €32.50/week top-up.
How much does Tús pay in 2026?
Your Jobseeker's Allowance rate plus a €32.50/week top-up. On the standard personal rate, that is a minimum of €286.50/week.
How long does it last?
12 months, extendable to 24 months in some cases.
How do I get referred?
Through your Intreo Centre. The DSP selects participants from the live register — ask your case officer about Tús availability in your area.
What is the difference between Tús and the CE scheme?
Tús is shorter (12 months vs up to 3 years for CE), has less structured training, and is run by local development companies rather than community sponsors.
- You cannot apply directly to Tus — the DSP selects participants from the live register. Ask your Intreo case officer if you are interested.
- Tus replaces your Jobseeker\'s Allowance while you participate — your JA claim is not paid alongside Tus, the Tus payment (JA rate + €32.50 top-up) takes its place.
- Tus is not the same as the Community Employment scheme — CE lasts up to 3 years and has a stronger training component; Tus is 12 months and run by different organisations.
- Tus can be extended beyond 12 months — in some cases placements can continue up to 24 months where it benefits the participant and the community organisation.
Official sources
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Tus scheme rates and eligibility rules.
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.