COVID 19 Part Time Job Incentive for the Self Employed
The Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme for the Self-Employed (PTSE) is a new scheme for self-employed people. This scheme is available to self-employed people who are in receipt of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) or a jobseekers payment in the week immediately prior to their application.
Currently self- employed persons may retain PUP and engage in limited self-employment where their trading income does not exceed €960 gross over an 8 week period. However, if your income does exceed €960 gross you would no longer be allowed to claim PUP.
PTSE is paid instead of your PUP or jobseeker’s payment. It is paid at a lower rate but there is no limit on the amount you can earn. There is however a limit on the number of hours that can be worked. You cannot work more than 24 hours per week with the PTSE.
Who can apply?
Self-employed people who:
- Work less than 24 hours per week
- Are currently in receipt of PUP and earn more than €960 over 8 weeks from self-employment
- Are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit, Job Seeker’s (Self-Employed) or Jobseeker’s Allowance because of COVID-19 and want to return to self-employment or increase your income from self-employment
How to qualify?
- Be self-employed
- Be aged between 18 and 66
- Be tax and PRSI compliant
- Be resident in Ireland
- Have been receiving the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or a Jobseeker’s payment in the week immediately prior to your application
- Return to self-employment for up to a maximum of 24 hours per week (no limit on the amount you can earn)
- Submit a monthly statement of hours worked each week
- Be genuinely seeking to increase your level work
Please note, if your income falls below €960 in an 8 week period, you can close your claim for PTSE and re-apply for PUP. If your income increases at a later stage you can re-apply for PTSE - if you still meet the conditions for the scheme. This scheme will run for as long as the PUP scheme is in operation.
Rate of PTSE
There are 2 rates of weekly payment:
- €128.60 - Personal rate
- €209.70 - Jobseekers payment with an increase for adult dependant
PTSE is paid instead of your PUP or Jobseeker’s payment. It is paid at a flat rate each week. A higher rate is payable if you are getting an increase for an adult dependant with your jobseekers payment. There is no increase for a child dependant.
How to apply?
You can download a copy of the PTSE1 application form or email the DSP at forms@welfare.ie for a copy of the form.
Completed forms should be emailed or posted to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Brosnan