Five conditions to avail of up to €468 weekly payment on top of wages

Certain workers could be claiming a cash boost of up to €468 every week on top of their wages.

If you have been placed on a shorter working week by your employer, you could be eligible for a form of Jobseeker’s Benefit called Short-Time Work Support.

It is an income support payment that can be claimed on top of your wages for those who need it.

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This could make a big difference to people who are having difficulty making ends meet at the moment due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Short-Time Work Support payment, who is eligible and how to apply.

What is Short-Time Work Support?

Short-Time Work Support is a form of Jobseeker’s Benefit. It is an income support payment for employees who have been temporarily placed on a shorter working week by their employer.

For example, if your working week has been reduced from a 5 day work pattern to a 3 day work pattern, you may get a Short-Time Work Support payment for the 2 days of work that have been lost.

Who qualifies for Short-Time Work Support?

To qualify for Short-Time Work Support, you must:

• be temporarily working a standard reduced weekly work pattern
• be systematically working 3 days or less per week having previously worked full-time
• be under 66 years of age
• be capable of work and available for full-time work
• satisfy the same PRSI conditions that you would need to qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit.

Short-time Work Support is not means tested.

If you do not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for the Short-Time Work Support, you may be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance, which is a means tested payment.

How much is Short-Time Work Support?

Your duration of eligibility and rate of payment will depend on:

• your PRSI contributions
• average weekly earnings, and
• the change in your work pattern

You may also get an increased rate of payment for a qualified adult and qualified children.

The following table shows the maximum payment rates available:

How to apply

The quickest way to apply for Short-Time Work Support is through MyWelfare.ie.