Monthly signing
gov.ie describes two options for Jobseeker's Allowance: sign on monthly in person at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, or monthly online through a verified MyWelfare.ie account. The office handling your claim tells you which applies to you and when; the building's opening hours alone do not tell you your signing day.
Working part of the week
You can work up to 3 days a week and still get a jobseeker's payment for the other days. Here is how it works:
- Your employer completes form UP80 (Employer Declaration: Casual, Part-time, Short-time Employment). You return it to your local Intreo Centre.
- Each week you declare which days you worked, did not work, or were on paid holidays.
- Submit on the day in your letter. Your approval letter says whether your declaration is due on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Short-time workers whose week has been cut (say from 5 days to 3) claim the lost days under Short Time Work Support, part of Jobseeker's Benefit.
Declaring online instead of paper dockets
With a verified MyGovID you can make the weekly part-time declaration on MyWelfare.ie, so you no longer bring paper dockets to the office each week. To get a verified account you need a Public Services Card, a verified mobile number and an email address: see MyWelfare and MyGovID.
Holidays and going abroad
You can be out of the State for up to 2 weeks (14 days) each calendar year and still get those weeks' payment when you come back. You must tell the Department before you leave; contact your local office to check your entitlement first.
Who to ask
Your own Intreo office sets your signing arrangements. For general questions, the National Intreo Contact Centre is on 0818 405060.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I sign on at Intreo?
Jobseeker's Allowance recipients sign on monthly, either in person at their Intreo Centre or Branch Office or online through a verified MyWelfare account. Follow the instructions your office gives you.
What day do I sign on?
There is no single day for everyone. If you work part-time, your approval letter tells you whether to submit your weekly declaration on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Can I sign on online?
Yes, with a verified MyGovID account on MyWelfare.ie. Part-time workers can declare the days they worked online instead of handing in paper dockets.
Do I still sign on after 62?
If you are over 62 you do not have to sign on monthly in person or meet a case officer. If you choose online signing, you sign monthly through your verified MyWelfare account.
What is form UP80?
An employer declaration for casual, part-time or short-time work. Your employer fills it in when you start working part of the week, and you return it to your local Intreo Centre.
Related guides
Jobseeker's payments compared
Which payment you should be on.
MyWelfare and MyGovID
Get the verified account you need to sign online.
Sources: gov.ie: Jobseeker's Allowance · gov.ie: Jobseeker's Benefit · MyWelfare: Part-time jobseekers declaration. Intreo Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Social Protection. Rates and rules change: confirm on gov.ie or MyWelfare.ie before you act.