The Part-time Job Incentive Scheme (PTJI) is an administrative scheme under Jobseeker's Allowance, which allows those who are long-term unemployed to take up part-time employment for up to 24 hours per week and receive a weekly income supplement where they satisfy the qualifying scheme conditions.
As the PTJI is an income supplement for jobseekers in part-time employment, the rate increase in 2022 is a proportion of €5. From January 2022, the rate of payment increased by €3.20, from €128.60 to €131.80. I am satisfied that the increase maintains the proportionality of the value of the payment. Unlike those in receipt of standard Jobseeker's Allowance, a key feature of the PTJI scheme is that participants can retain their supplement no matter how much they earn from the part time employment.
The PTJI provides a stepping stone to full time employment as participants must continue to be actively seeking full time work. While participants on PTJI are not required to engage with the Department’s Activation process, they can, however, voluntary engage with local Intreo Employment Services Officers who provide advice on job searching and employment opportunities, and assistance in accessing other employment supports and services, including training and development opportunities.
I trust that this clarifies my position at this time.
