What happens if a person on JSA ignores JobPath?

LegacyUser

How much does one's JSA payment get reduced by or to?

Thanks.

Balagan

The scenario set out below is not hard and fast and there is flexibility. The important thing is to respond to correspondence, show up to meetings and engage with them. Always good too to be proactive and come up with some plans yourself as what you choose is more likely to suit you and be helpful than what is chosen by someone who doesn't know you.


Reduction in payment
When you apply for a jobseeker’s payment you will be asked to sign a Record of Mutual Commitments (pdf) which explains your rights and responsibilities while you are getting your jobseeker’s payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP).

Depending on your personal profile, you may be given an appointment for a further meeting with a DSP case officer. At this meeting your case officer will discuss your options with you and agree your Personal Progression Plan to prepare you to find employment. You will get ongoing advice and support to help you meet the goals in your Personal Progression Plan. You can read about the employment services the Department of Social Protection offers to jobseekers.

If you do not keep to the steps agreed in the Record of Mutual Commitments and the other conditions of your jobseeker’s payment, your payment can be reduced and eventually stopped altogether. Specifically you can be paid a penalty rate of JA or JB if you refuse or fail to:

Attend meetings requested by the DSP or
Participate in an appropriate employment support scheme, work experience or training
If you have been placed on a penalty rate and you continue not to meet the conditions you can be disqualified from your jobseeker’s payment for up to 9 weeks. You cannot be disqualified immediately – a penalty rate must apply first for at least 21 days.

Rates

Penalty rates of payment for JB
Personal rate Reduction to
€84.50 €65
€121.40 €93
€147.30 €113
€188 €144
Penalty rates of payment for JA
Personal rate Reduction to
€188 €144
€100 €75
€144 €111
Penalty rates do not apply to people over 62 from 1 January 2014.

Appeals
If you wish to appeal a decision (including a decision on a penalty rate) you should make this appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office using the contact information below. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/conditions_for_getting_a_jobseekers_payment.html

LegacyUser

Thank you. Sorry, I didn't realise it was on citizensinformation.ie.

eastbono

The first stage if you refuse to engage with jobpath without just cause is a penalty rate. If you continue refusing then your claim will be benefit suspended for up to 9 weeks after that it will be a disallowance and then claim closure.