Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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All Educational Sector Workers (ESWs) who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment. This includes completing the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation in a timely manner while also being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work at each school break.

Seasonal workers including educational workers should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated for by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.

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.

Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way to commence the application process.

Scheme areas are monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.

If the Deputy could supply details of the cases referred to I will arrange for the matter to be examined.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.