JSA & voluntary work

Musefan

Hi All,

I was just wondering if I could get some insight into whether I am suitable for JSA. I am under 22, and just about to finish a masters in September. In the industry I study, you are expected to work voluntarily within hospitals for a time in order to qualify for a paid doctorate course. I will be finishing my masters in September and I hope to continue working voluntarily within a HSE department. I will most likely be moving into the paid doctoral course in September 2014.

I cohabit with my partner, who is also a student and does not work.

Would I be eligible for JSA, while completing voluntary work next year with the HSE. Could I also work perhaps 2 days paid employment also?

Thanks

danjo-xx

I doubt voluntary work with the hse would qualify going on this, but who knows.

To get Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit you must be available and looking for work. If you want to do voluntary work, you must first get permission from a Deciding Officer at your Social Welfare Local Office. You must continue to satisfy the conditions of your jobseeker’s payment.
A number of factors are taken into account by a Deciding Officer in determining whether the work involved is voluntary, these include:

• The aims and standing of the voluntary organisation (they can be national or local voluntary groups)
• The type of work involved
• The weekly number of hours worked.

Examples of unpaid voluntary work a jobseeker may do include assisting youth clubs, care groups, sports groups, and local residents associations.


If you want to do voluntary work and continue to get Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit, you must apply under the voluntary work option before you start any voluntary work. To apply, fill in application form (VW1), which is available from your Social Welfare Local Office.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/voluntary_work_and_social_welfare_payments.html