Community Employment Scheme Ireland — €304+/week, Part-Time Work and Training
Community Employment Scheme in Ireland
The Community Employment (CE) scheme offers long-term unemployed people part-time work experience in community organisations, with a payment of at least €304 per week in 2026. Participants work 19.5 hours per week and can access training grants to gain qualifications.
Community Employment — At a glance
- Weekly payment
- €304+ per week
- Hours per week
- 19.5 hours
- Welfare required
- 12 months on qualifying payment
- Training grant
- Up to €500 per year
Key facts — Community Employment Scheme 2026
Who is eligible for CE?
To qualify for Community Employment, you must:
- Be aged 21 or over (18 or over if you have a disability)
- Have been receiving a qualifying welfare payment for at least 12 months (6 months if aged 21-24)
- Be legally entitled to work in Ireland
Qualifying welfare payments include:
- Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
- Back to Education Allowance
- Blind Pension
- Carer's Allowance (in some cases)
What kind of work is available?
CE places are with community and voluntary organisations across Ireland — not private companies. Common types of work include:
- Childcare and after-school care services
- Community centres and sports clubs
- Environmental and amenity work
- Services for older people or people with disabilities
- Administration, IT and office support roles
- Arts, heritage and cultural organisations
How to apply for Community Employment
- Check eligibility at your Intreo Centre
Visit your local Intreo Centre or Employment Services Office. A case officer will confirm you meet the 12-month qualifying period and tell you about current CE vacancies in your area.
- Get a referral
Your Intreo case officer will refer you to CE placements that match your skills and interests. You can also approach community organisations directly and ask if they have CE vacancies.
- Meet the CE sponsor
The community organisation (CE sponsor) will meet with you to discuss the role. If both parties agree, they will arrange your start date.
- Access training
Once on CE, you can apply for a training grant of up to €500 per year to pursue qualifications relevant to your role or future employment goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Community Employment Scheme?
A government scheme providing part-time work experience (19.5 hours/week) with community organisations for long-term unemployed people. Pay is €304+ per week in 2026, plus training grants.
How much do CE participants earn in 2026?
At least €304 per week, made up of your welfare rate plus a top-up. If you have dependants, you may receive more through additional allowances.
How long do I need to be unemployed to join CE?
12 months on a qualifying welfare payment. If you are aged 21-24, 6 months is sufficient. People with disabilities may have different qualifying periods.
How long can I stay on Community Employment?
Usually 1 year. You can extend to 2 years if you are pursuing a major training qualification, and up to 3 years if you have a disability.
Does CE count as employment for PRSI purposes?
Yes. CE participants pay PRSI contributions, which count toward future entitlements including Jobseeker's Benefit, Maternity Benefit and State Pension.
Can I work elsewhere while on CE?
CE is considered your primary employment at 19.5 hours per week. You should check with your Intreo case officer before taking on any other paid work.
- CE is not a job — it is a government activation scheme; you are a participant, not a private sector employee
- You must already be on a qualifying welfare payment for 12 months before you can join — you cannot apply directly without being referred from Intreo
- The training grant is not automatic — you must actively request it once on the scheme
- You cannot simply rejoin CE immediately after finishing — there is generally a 2-year waiting period before re-entry
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Community Employment Scheme rates and eligibility rules.