Information for Education Sector Workers

If you are not being paid by your employer during school breaks you may be entitled to apply for jobseeker’s supports.

Application process:

  • The quickest and easiest way to apply for a jobseeker’s payment is to through MyWelfare using a verified MyGovID account.

  • You should apply on your first day of unemployment, as your claim cannot be processed before this date.

  • When making an application for Jobseekers on the basis of a temporary lay-off due to school or college holiday periods, for the question “Are you a seasonal worker?", you would answer ‘No’, and for the question “Do you have a job where you are unpaid during or college holidays?” you would answer ‘Yes’.

Employer:

  • You will need to know who your employer is – you may be employed directly by your school or college or Education & Training Board (ETB) or the Department of Education and Youth.

If you are unsure, please check a recent payslip which names your employer or check with your school administrator.

Paid holiday days:

  • As part of the jobseeker’s application you will be asked to provide details of any holiday days you are being paid for. Your employer can provide details of any holiday days you are being paid for during the lay-off period.

However, if you are employed directly by the Department of Education and Youth you do not need to provide this information when making your claim.

Return to work date:

  • Please provide a Return-to-Work date if you have one, when applying.

Reference code:

  • The Reference Code ESWA2026 should be entered when prompted as it will assist us process your claim quickly.

Further information on jobseeker’s supports including how to apply for a payment can be found at www.gov.ie