Q.  I am in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit but cannot find work. I’d like to do some unpaid voluntary work to keep my skills up. How would this affect my payment?

01.11.09

You must apply under the voluntary work option before you start the work. The decision is made by a Deciding Officer in your Social Welfare Local Office. In considering an application, the DO will look in particular at two things: whether the work is voluntary within the meaning of the scheme and whether you would continue to satisfy the statutory conditions for getting the jobseeker’s payment (which include the requirement that you are available and looking for full-time work).

A number of factors are taken into account when determining whether the work involved is voluntary. These include: the aims and standing of the voluntary organisation (they can be national or local voluntary groups); the type of work involved; the weekly number of hours worked.
Examples of unpaid voluntary work a jobseeker may do include assisting youth clubs, care groups, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations and local residents’ associations. The DO will need to be satisfied that you are available to take up employment, if offered it, and that you are making genuine efforts to find work. This applies whether the voluntary work is full or part-time. To apply, fill in an application form (VW1), which is available from your Social Welfare Local Office.
 

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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