TÚS programme

Participants on TÚS can take up other part-time employment provided it does not interfere with the work and times of the TÚS work placement. If participants are offered full-time alternative work they may terminate their work placement contract.

Under the National Employment Action Plan someone getting Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) is required to take up work opportunities such as the offer of a TÚS work placement. If they refuse a work opportunity without good reason, they may have their DEASP payment reduced or terminated. If, following a refusal of a placement, someone’s payment is reduced or terminated they may appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

Participants will work for 19 ½ hours a week and the placement lasts 12 months. They receive the same statutory annual leave and public holiday entitlement as other employees. When the placement finishes, they should sign on again with their local DEASP office. They cannot participate in the TÚS scheme again for 3 years.

Childcare:
If you need childcare in order to participate in the TÚS scheme, you may be eligible for the After-School Child Care (ASCC) scheme.

The minimum weekly payment for participants (based on 19.5 hours worked) is €208. With effect from 4th January 2016, the top-up rate has increased to €22.50, with a minimum payment of €210.50.

If the actual Jobseeker’s Allowance (including dependants) you were getting is €188 a week or less, then you will get the minimum TÚS weekly rate of €208 (that is €188 plus €20). If your actual weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance (including dependants) is €188.01 or more, then you will get the equivalent rate plus €20 (there are some exceptions to this).

With effect from 4th January 2016, the top-up rate has increased to €22.50, with a minimum payment of €210.50.

The rules that apply to Jobseeker’s Allowance also apply to the TÚS payment. In order to avoid any possible overpayments, if there is any change in your circumstances, you should inform your Rural Dublin LEADER and your DEASP office. One example of a change in your circumstances would be if your dependant got a job. Their income would be assessed as means and your TÚS payment might be reduced. It cannot be reduced below the minimum rate of €208.

Other payments and TÚS:
If you get a place on a TÚS scheme and your spouse or partner is claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA), Disability Allowance (DA) or Farm Assist in their own right, they can claim an Increase for a Qualified Adult with their JA, DA or Farm Assist. Your income from the TÚS scheme (as a single person) is then assessed as insurable employment against their payment.
Participants will retain any extra benefits and the medical card provided they are still eligible.

The TÚS payment is taxable but the amount payable depends on individual circumstances.

Class A PRSI contributions will be paid for all participants. Those earning more than €352 a week will pay a PRSI contribution.

Participants on the TÚS scheme are exempt from the Universal Social Charge.

The work placements are proposed and provided by community and voluntary organisations. The organisations must provide good quality work opportunities that are of benefit to the community. Organisations with a proposed work placement should register with Rural Dublin LEADER. They will be asked to submit a proposal detailing the work and the number of participants requested. Rural Dublin LEADER will assess and make a decision on the proposal.