Internship while on dole?

Dave!

Hey folks,

I've seen an ad for an internship in an area that I'm very interested in

I'm on jobseekers benefit/allowance (the one that isn't means tested) at the moment

Just wondering if I'm still able to claim if I do this? The internship is not through FÁS, and it's not the work placement thing they're running.

Also since I'm posting -- the work placement scheme FÁS is running, it says you must be claiming the dole for 6 months to be eligible. Anyone know if there's any wiggle room there? I'm 4 months on the dole I think, and there's a good placement thing that I'd like to do

Cheers

Citizens Information: Graham

Hi Dave!


To qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit you need to be available for and looking for work. If you took up an internship you wouldn't be available for work so you probably wouldn’t qualify for a jobseeker’s payment.

On the FÁS Work Placement Programme - to get this you need to be getting Jobseeker's Allowance for 6 months (this is the means tested payment). You won’t qualify if you are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit.

I suggest you discuss your options on this with FÁS or a job facilitator in your Social Welfare Local Office.

Graham Long
Citizens Information

Dave!

Thanks Graham

That sucks