A lady living in Donegal is unemployed and in receipt of Irish Jobseekers Benefit. She has been offered part-time work, a couple of days per week, across the border. She is concerned about losing her entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit for the remaining three days of the week.

Individuals living in the South and claiming Jobseekers Benefit CAN take up part-time work in the North and continue to receive reduced Jobseekers Benefit.  But it is essential to get confirmation from the local social welfare office in advance of taking the job across the border.

Please refer to: EU Recommendation No U1 of 12 June 2009 – “Where persons residing in the territory of a Member State are eligible, under the legislation applicable to them, to receive unemployment benefits, they should be allowed to pursue a part-time professional or trade activity in the territory of another Member State, while retaining entitlement to unemployment benefits provided by the State in which they reside.”

National Insurance shouldn’t be paid, instead special PRSI payments will be due!

If issues arise about payment of National Insurance contributions it can be sorted out by the Special Collections Section which is based in Waterford.   The office will forward a Form A1 on which the above EU recommendation should be cited.  The Special Collections Section will then consult with the NI Authorities and issue a certificate to the effect that the person remains subject to Irish legislation.

Contact: PRSI Special Collections, Dept of Social Protection, Cork Road, Waterford, X91 EH04. Tel – 00353 1 7043000
Website: www.gov.ie/PRSIspecialcollection
Email: E101SPC@welfare.ie

Page last checked: March 2022