Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
499. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if any action is being taken to streamline the process of applying for jobseeker's benefit for school staff who are reliant on the benefit during school holiday times; if it is being considered to manage such claims through the relevant school rather than individually by the worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34870/23]
View answerThe process in respect of all jobseeker's payments including those working in the school sector is kept under review.
Every person who finds themselves unemployed and wishing to apply for a jobseeker's payment completes the full application form at the time of their initial claim and a repeat jobseeker's form for any subsequent claims until that jobseeker's claim period of entitlement ends. Applications can be made online and the online channel can be a more convenient and a timely method for many applicants.
Educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday entitlement form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
In general, there is no delay in processing jobseeker benefit claims if the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation are completed by the customer in a timely manner.
However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment and satisfy all the qualifying conditions for Jobseeker’s Benefit including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Jobseeker's Benefit claims for all workers including school staff are managed by my Department. Any issues regarding payment by the employer during the school breaks is a matter for discussion between the employer and the school worker.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
