The Momentum initiative provides free education and training projects for up to 6,500 long-term unemployed jobseekers. The initiative is administered by FÁS and funded by the Department of Education & Skills through the National Training Fund (NTF) and co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).
In line with the commitments given in Pathways to Work, eligibility for the Momentum initiative is specifically targeted at the long term unemployed and a participant must meet the following criteria:
- Be unemployed and on the Live Register for 12 months (312 days) or longer and
- Be in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) or credited contributions for 12 months or longer and
- Be actively seeking work.
However, a person who was unemployed for 12 months in the previous 18 months may be considered eligible for the initiative. Periods spent on other activation schemes, for example the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), Community Employment Schemes, Tús may count towards meeting the eligibility requirements for Momentum, provided the person has completed the scheme/programme and is on the Live Register.
The main purpose of the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is to provide immediate and flexible temporary or interim assistance for those in need, who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. SWA may be available to an applicant awaiting the outcome of either a decision - or an appeal against a decision - on a claim for a social welfare payment from the Department. Periods spent solely on SWA are not used towards the qualifying period if no entitlement to a social welfare payment has been established.
The person in question does not meet the qualification criteria for the Momentum initiative requiring 312 days on the live register.
