Publication
Holidays and Social Welfare Payments
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
In general you can take up to 2 weeks holidays each year and continue to have your social welfare payment paid. However, you must always contact your local Intreo Centre, Branch Office or your Community Welfare Officer to check your entitlements before planning or going on holidays.
If your holidays are longer than 2 weeks or you expect to be abroad for an extended period, your social welfare payment may not be paid.
You must inform the department in advance of any absences from the State, for example for holidays, or funerals abroad.
If you are already getting Jobseeker's Allowance you must contact your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office to check your entitlements before going away. You are entitled to be absent from the State, for example for holidays or funerals abroad, for 2 weeks every calendar year, (12 days excluding Sundays) and get the 2 weeks payment when you return. You must tell us in advance of leaving the State.
If you are already getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit for the Self-Employed, you must contact your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office to check your entitlements before going away. You are entitled to be absent from the State, for example for holidays or funerals abroad, for 2 weeks every calendar year, (12 days excluding Sundays) and get the 2 weeks payment when you return. You must tell us in advance of leaving the State.
If you are getting Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds or if you are between 65 and 66 years old and getting Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit for the Self-Employed, you may be temporarily absent from the State for longer than 2 weeks in a calendar year.
There is no time limit prescribed. However, the absence must be temporary, and you must not engage in gainful employment or self-employment while absent from the State.
If you are getting One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker's Transitional Payment , you can be absent from the State for a maximum of three weeks in each calendar year, and get the three weeks payment when you return.
You must notify your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office before taking your holiday.
You can also get your social welfare payment if you return from representing Ireland as an amateur athlete at international sporting events. You must get written confirmation of the sport and time involved from the governing sporting body. This is in addition to your two weeks paid holidays.
If you are a jobseeker and you have a verified MyGovID account, you can notify the department about your intention to take a holiday online at MyWelfare.ie.
If you are a jobseeker and you do not have a verified MyGovID account, you should go to your local local Intreo Centre or Branch Office to complete a holiday entitlement form.
You must complete and submit your holiday entitlement form at least 2 weeks before you go on your holiday. You cannot apply more than 21 days in advance.