Jobseeker\'s Benefit for employees put on reduced hours
Short-Time Work Support Ireland 2026
If your employer has cut your hours involuntarily, you can claim Jobseeker\'s Benefit for the days you are no longer working — while continuing to work the reduced hours.
Short-Time Work Support 2026 — At a glance
- Daily rate
- €48.40/day (1/5 of €244 weekly JB)
- Maximum support
- 3 days/week — €145.20/week
- Who decides the reduction
- Employer — voluntary changes don\'t qualify
- PRSI required
- 104 weeks paid Class A + 39 in relevant tax year
How it works — worked example
| Situation | Days working | Days supported | Weekly STWS payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced from 5 to 4 days | 4 | 1 | €48.40 |
| Reduced from 5 to 3 days | 3 | 2 | €96.80 |
| Reduced from 5 to 2 days | 2 | 3 | €145.20 |
Maximum support: 3 days per week. You must work at least 1 day per week to qualify for STWS (otherwise apply for full Jobseeker\'s Benefit).
Eligibility
- You are an employee (not self-employed)
- Your employer has reduced your hours — not your own choice
- You previously worked a 5-day week
- You have the required PRSI contributions (Class A, H)
- Your employer has confirmed the short-time arrangement in writing
How to apply
Apply at your local Intreo Centre with a letter from your employer confirming the change in your working hours, the reason, and the expected duration. Your employer must be placing multiple employees on short-time, not just you individually.
Frequently asked questions
What is Short-Time Work Support?
Jobseeker\'s Benefit for employees whose hours are cut by their employer. You claim for the days you no longer work.
How much is it?
€48.40 per day not worked (2026). 2 days lost = €96.80/week. Maximum 3 days support.
Does the reduction need to be my employer's decision?
Yes. Voluntary hour reductions do not qualify.
What PRSI do I need?
Same as standard Jobseeker's Benefit: 104 weeks paid contributions, 39 weeks in relevant tax year.
How long can I receive it?
Up to 9 months (260+ contributions) or 6 months (fewer contributions).
- The reduction must be your employer\'s decision — if you voluntarily agreed to work fewer hours, you do not qualify for STWS.
- Maximum support is 3 days per week — if you are cut from 5 days to 2 days, you receive support for 3 days (not 5 minus 2 = 3, but capped at 3 regardless of how many days you lose).
- You must still work at least 1 day per week — if you are laid off entirely, apply for regular Jobseeker\'s Benefit instead.
- The PRSI requirement is the same as standard Jobseeker\'s Benefit — 104 weeks paid contributions and 39 weeks in the relevant tax year.
- The scheme counts towards your Jobseeker\'s Benefit time limit — time on STWS reduces the number of weeks left on your JB entitlement.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Short-Time Work Support 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.