TÚS

Potential Tús participants are identified by random selection by DEASP. Once randomly selected, the DEASP writes to each suitable individual selected, offering them the opportunity to be considered for a work placement opportunity and requesting their consent to have their contact details shared with West Cork Development Partnership. Those agreeing to participate and to having their contact details shared with West Cork Development Partnership are then referred to West Cork Development Partnership. West Cork Development Partnership will then contact the potential participant and invite them for an initial assessment interview to determine their interest, work and educational background and other relevant facts in order to attempt to find a suitable work placement.

While the majority of people referred for Tús are selected on a random basis by the Department, 30% of available places can be filled by assisted or self-referral. The assisted/self-referral affords a number of DEASP customers who fulfil the qualifying criteria the opportunity to avail of short-term quality work placements and break the cycle of unemployment.

A Tús application can be handed in to West Cork Development Partnership or the Local Intreo office. West Cork Development Partnership should forward the application to the Local Intreo Office.

The “Tús 7 Assisted-Self Referral form and Case Office recommendation Jan 18” must be mediated through a Case Officer in the local Intreo office. The Case Officer will meet or contact the jobseeker to establish the reasons they wish to be considered for the Tús initiative and verify eligibility criteria. In all self-referral cases, the Tús recommendation must be completed by the Case Officer. The Case Officer must be satisfied that the eligibility criteria are met and it is in the best interest of the customer to participate on Tús.

The application form along with the signed recommendation sheet must be sent to the Divisional Liaison Officer (DLO) by the Case Officer who will liaise with the West Cork Development Partnership.

In general, no exemptions to participating on Tús are provided. However, subject to certain conditions and provision of documentary proof a person may seek not to take up the offer of a work placement on Tús if they are to take up employment, or engage in other activation, training or education measures.

Placements are for a maximum duration of 52 weeks. Participants are required to complete the 52 weeks placement unless they wish to take up an offer of full-time employment, education or training. Having completed a 52 week placement on Tús, a participant cannot subsequently re-participate on Tús for a minimum of 3 years.

The minimum weekly payment for participants (based on 19.5 hours worked) is €259.50. If the actual Jobseeker’s Allowance you were getting (including increases for dependants) was €232 a week or less, then you will get the minimum Tús payment of €259.50 per week, (that is €232 plus €27.50).If your actual weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance (including any increases for dependants) was €232.01 or more, then you will get the equivalent rate plus €27.50 (there are some exceptions to this). Participants may receive extra allowances in respect of a qualified adult and qualified child(ren).

Individuals aged under 26 years, in receipt of an age related Jobseeker’s Allowance will receive the full rate while participating on Tús and then revert to the applicable age related rate following the completion of their Tús work placement.

Participants do not continue to receive social welfare payments for the duration of their engagement on Tús.

Participants are under an obligation to advise West Cork Development Partnership of any change in circumstances that may impact on the value of their weekly payment. The rate of payment is calculated by reference to the underlying value of the social welfare payment prior to taking up engagement on Tús.

Participants work 19½ hours per week for 52 weeks. Work placements are a valuable route for participants to gain or update experience of the workplace, to learn new skills and to return to the routine of work.
Participants provide resources to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities in rural and urban communities with inputs being funded either by Tús itself or local community fund-raising or other income. Communities in turn benefit from the skills and talents of local people with a diverse repertoire of skills and abilities.

Participants are not encouraged to exit Tús before completing 12 months unless it is to take up full-time employment or education. In cases where an individual exits Tús for reasons other than the taking up of full-time employment or education, they may be penalised by being disqualified from receiving a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment for up to nine weeks under the provisions of Section 147(4) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005.

Tús is regarded as income for income tax purposes; however, participants are exempt from paying the Universal Social Charge (USC). A PRSI contribution (‘A’ rate) is paid in respect of each participant by their employer and an employee PRSI contribution is only applicable when weekly earnings are over €352.00. Those earning in excess of €352.00 will pay a PRSI rate of 4% on their total income. West Cork Development Partnership will inform the Revenue Commissioners as participants commence on Tús and Revenue will then allocate the appropriate tax credits and Tax Bands in respect of each individual participant.
Participants are paid directly into their bank accounts by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on a weekly basis.

Participation does not result in loss of secondary benefits such as medical card, fuel allowance, back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance. Entitlement to secondary benefits will be subject to the usual assessment processes operated by the appropriate Scheme Area of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection or relevant Authority. Participants on Tús will still be required to meet the terms and conditions attached to the secondary benefits, as set out in order to continue to qualify for any such payments. Entitlement to fuel allowance cannot be established after you commence on Tús.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for Medical Cards and entitlement is dependant on personal circumstances. Applicants in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for a period of 12 months or more are entitled to retain their Medical Card for three years on taking up employment from the date on which the employment commenced.