JobsPlus: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how employers in Ireland can receive grants for hiring long-term unemployed individuals through the JobsPlus scheme.
JobsPlus is a government financial support scheme designed to help employers fund new positions when they hire people who have been unemployed for a long time.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for employers who are looking to expand their workforce. If your business is looking to grow and you intend to hire people who fall into the category of long-term unemployed, you may be eligible to apply for this support.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is a significant financial grant to help offset the costs of bringing on new staff. You can receive a total grant of up to €10,000 for every qualifying employee you hire. This financial assistance is not provided as a single lump sum; instead, it is paid out over a period of 2 years to support the ongoing costs of employment.
What it costs you
To access this funding, there are specific requirements regarding the nature of the employment you provide. You cannot use this grant for temporary or casual work; the position you are creating must be a permanent, full-time role. This ensures that the scheme supports long-term job stability for the person being hired.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is the order of operations regarding your new hire. You cannot simply hire someone and then apply for the money later. The individual you wish to employ must be verified by the Department of Social Protection as being part of the long-term unemployed group before the process moves forward.
How to apply
- Identify a candidate for a new role who meets the long-term unemployment criteria.
- Confirm that the job you are offering is a permanent, full-time position.
- Ensure the potential employee is officially verified by the Department of Social Protection.
- Complete the necessary application steps via the official portal.