Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
122. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the policy of linking claims under the jobseeker's benefit scheme, given the difficulties it is causing seasonal workers who make repeat claims each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2225/16]
View answerThe jobseeker's benefit scheme provides income support for people who lose work and who have the required number of social insurance contributions. The 2016 Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure on jobseeker’s benefit of €369 million.
Initially when a person makes an application for jobseeker’s benefit, 3 waiting days apply and payment is from the 4th day of the claim where there is no accrued holiday entitlement. In the administration of the jobseeker’s benefit scheme the concept of continuity in a claim and the notion of “linked claims” is a key component of how the jobseeker’s benefit scheme operates in practice. Where a person makes a repeat jobseeker’s claim within 26 weeks from the end of a previous claim, both claims may be linked and no waiting days apply. This applies to all jobseeker’s benefit claimants, including seasonal workers. Where a person makes a claim for jobseeker’s benefit more than 26 weeks from their previous jobseeker’s claim 3 waiting days are served and payment commences on the fourth day.
To better facilitate Department of Social Protection customers, I have introduced a system where all new or repeat customers can make an appointment, at a time that suits them, with their local Intreo office to discuss or submit their application form.
As part of my Department’s modernisation programme and the public service reform plan, the Department has moved into the delivery of online services. This means that, for the first time, customers will be able to make an application for a jobseeker’s benefit payment online from 29 January 2016, using the MyWelfare.ie portal. MyWelfare.ie is designed to enable clients to access personalised Department of Social Protection services by registering for, and creating a personal account. The portal has been operational since July 2015 and currently allows customers to book PPSN and Public Service Card appointments.
For jobseeker’s benefit, the on-line application form on MyWelfare.ie has been developed in a way to ensure that the staff who will be processing claims will receive all of the information that they require in a usable format so as to be able to make an informed decision in a timely manner without further recourse to the customer.
It should also be noted that if a person signs off from jobseeker’s benefit to take up work for up to 12 weeks, there is a fast track system in place to ensure they are able to make this transition in an easy and efficient manner. This fast track system allows the individual to quickly sign back on their jobseeker’s scheme and then continue to receive benefits after the work or course finishes.
